<h1>GST 2.0 reforms consolidate slabs to 5% and 18% with seven-step consumer benefit protocol and stronger enforcement measures</h1> A regional government implemented GST 2.0 reforms effective September 22, consolidating previous slabs into two rates (5% and 18%) to lower prices on most daily-use items. The administration issued Standard Operating Procedures across tax, legal metrology, health and industry departments and launched a seven-step consumer-benefit protocol: policy communication, taxpayer support, awareness and capacity building, monitoring and documentation, consumer feedback, enforcement with inter-departmental coordination, and review and reporting. Measures include intensified market surveillance, MRP and labelling checks, surprise inspections for medicines, GST facilitation centres and a consumer complaint portal to ensure compliance and grievance redressal.