India could review the application of the highest 28% slab under the goods and services tax (GST) and consider imposing a lower rate on items of frequent use, with policymakers supporting a move along these lines. 

Such a move will reduce prices of many goods, thus helping to boost demand. The Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) has pitched for such a shift to revive industry, especially small businesses that are regarded as engines of employment generation. 

“There is a need to relook at the 28% slab,” said a senior government official. “Some of the goods placed in that bracket are manufactured by MSMEs (micro, small and medium enterprises) and they are feeling some pressure.” 

Items in the 28% slab include washing machines, refrigerators, electrical fittings, cement, ceiling fans, watches, automobiles, tobacco products, nutritional drinks, auto parts, plastic furniture and plywood. 

The move will have to be approved by the GST Council, the apex decision-making body for the new tax, which is scheduled to meet in Guwahati on November 9-10, when the matter could come up for discussion. 

Top government officials have hinted at such a move over time. The feeling in the finance ministry is that non-luxury items in the 28% slab should gradually be moved to lower rates. Trade and industry bodies have lobbied the government for moving items out of the top tax rate, which was meant to be imposed on luxury and so-called sin goods such as tobacco items. 

“The arbitrary creation of 28% tax slab has greatly distorted the scope and spirit of true GST,” said the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT). It should be restricted to luxury and demerit goods, it said. 

Some states, especially those ruled by the Congress party are likely to raise the matter at the upcoming council meeting. 

The GST Council had at its last meeting in October adopted a concept paper that laid down guidelines for changes in rates. According to this, no manufactured goods should be given outright exemption as this would hinder the Make in India initiative. States should opt for direct subsidy transfers if they wanted to reduce tax incidence on any item. 

For the 28% bracket, the paper said goods of mass consumption or public interest, intermediate goods and those predominantly manufactured in the unorganised MSME sector and export-related items could be considered for review, subject to revenue implications. 

This would mean GST rates stabilising over a period of time with more need-based items first in line for tax cuts. 

Tax experts said the highest bracket shouldn’t have too many items. 

Source: Economic Times

 

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