Twarit Sukh: Snitary Napkins go tax free; 100 items go cheaper

The GST Council on Saturday cut tax rates on 88 items, including footwear, refrigerator, washing machine and small screen TV, while the widely demanded sanitary napkins have been exempted from the levy. The decision also included rationalisation of the highest 28 per cent slab. The highest tax bracket of 28 per cent has been rationalised further with rates on daily-use items like perfumes, cosmetics, toiletries, hair dryers, shavers, mixer grinder, vacuum cleaners, lithium ion batteries, being lowered to 18 per cent. The revised tax rates will come into effect from July 27.

"Every state wanted that the rates on these items be lowered so that the middle income households are benefitted ... It has also been decided that the GST Council will rise above revenue consideration and focus more on job creation and economic growth," Finance Minister Piyush Goyal said. "GST Council today approved reduction in rates of 88 goods and services. Money in the hands of all sections of society-- the poor, households, women, farmers and senior citizens," Goyal tweeted late night.