<h1>Government consolidates GST into 5% and 18% slabs and zero-rates essentials from Sept 22, vows enforcement to ensure price relief</h1> The government announced schedule-wide GST rationalisation, consolidating most goods into 5% and 18% slabs and zero-rating essential items, effective Sept 22. The executive frames the cuts as consumer relief and economic stimulus and says it will monitor compliance closely; the finance ministry promises enforcement and penalties against businesses that fail to pass on rate reductions. The opposition's concerns about selective benefit and the earlier effective abolition of a dedicated anti-profiteering body are noted; the government counters that implementation oversight and legal measures will ensure the intended price transmission to consumers.