Government approves comprehensive GST overhaul: two-rate structure (18% standard, 5% merit, 40% de-merit), exemptions, refunds, appeals framework operational

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....The Council approved comprehensive GST reforms including a simplified two-rate structure (standard 18%, merit 5%, and a 40% de-merit slab), exemption of individual life and health insurance, widespread rate reductions across food, health, agriculture, labour-intensive and common-use goods and selected services, and targeted increases to 40% for certain sin/ de-merit items. Changes are proposed effective 22 September 2025 (with tobacco/cess-linked items deferred), administrative implementation of 90% provisional refunds for inverted duty cases, operationalisation of the GST Appellate Tribunal, amendments to valuation, registration and place-of-supply rules, and procedural facilitation measures including simplified registrations for low-risk and e-commerce suppliers.....