The Goods and Survives Tax (GST) Council meeting is underway in the capital, which is expected to please the middle class as the decision is likely to bring down prices of white goods such as cameras, dishwashers and cement, one of the key inputs for housing construction. A final announcement regarding rates rationalization and procedural changes is expected this evening after the GST Council meeting is over, government officials said. The meeting, Chaired by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley is currently in progress at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. A government official said that the proposed reduction of GST rates would invite criticisms from members belonging to the non-BJP states because that would have revenue implications. The council may also consider the issue of transferring ownership of the GST Network in a government-owned company.

Source: Hindustan Times December 22, 2018 10:05 UTC