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The Centre has announced that the benefits of recent GST cuts, effective from September 22, have been extended to consumers during the festive season. Officials emphasised that consumption remains a key driver of economic growth, and the reforms are expected to sustain demand well beyond the festive period.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, and Railways &amp; Electronics and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw addressed the media in New Delhi, highlighting the positive trends emerging from the GST reforms.
“Tax reductions have not only happened for the festive season. These reductions mean more collections, so better fiscal room to give something back. Demand will sustain even after the festive season,” said Sitharaman. She also noted that the GST dispute resolution mechanism is functioning effectively. Since the reforms, the National Consumer Helpline has recorded 3,981 GST-related calls, of which 31 per cent were queries and 69 per cent formal grievances. Of these, 1,992 grievances have been forwarded to the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), while 761 were referred in real time to relevant companies for direct resolution.
Sitharaman observed that most complaints arise due to a gap between the public’s understanding of GST cuts and actual implementation. She said that sectors like pharmaceuticals are being closely monitored to ensure GST benefits reach consumers. The automobile sector has reportedly welcomed the GST reductions, which have translated into higher sales.
<blockquote>Watch Live: Smt <a href="https://twitter.com/nsitharaman?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nsitharaman</a> addresses the media alongside Shri <a href="https://twitter.com/AshwiniVaishnaw?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AshwiniVaishnaw</a> and Shri <a href="https://twitter.com/PiyushGoyal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PiyushGoyal</a> in New Delhi. <a href="https://t.co/YSl01P0E5R">https://t.co/YSl01P0E5R</a>
— Nirmala Sitharaman Office (@nsitharamanoffc) <a href="https://twitter.com/nsitharamanoffc/status/1979447932035203212?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 18, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>She also noted that the GST dispute resolution mechanism is functioning effectively. Since the reforms, the National Consumer Helpline has recorded 3,981 GST-related calls, of which 31 per cent were queries and 69 per cent formal grievances. Of these, 1,992 grievances have been forwarded to the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), while 761 were referred in real time to relevant companies for direct resolution.
Also Read: <a href="zeebiz.com/automobile/news-gst-20-booster-41-indian-consumers-planning-to-buy-vehicle-in-next-3-4-months-381130">GST 2.0 booster: 41% Indian consumers planning to buy vehicle in next 3–4 months</a> 
<h2>E-Commerce, consumer spending see immediate impact</h2>
Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal added, “Indirect tax directly impacts 140 crore Indians, and now a benefit of Rs 2.5 lakh crore has been given via GST cuts. The multiplier effect due to tax cuts has already given a boost to the economy.” He also noted that nearly all e-commerce companies have passed on GST cuts, many offering additional festive discounts, particularly during Navratri.
Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted, “Because of the GST reforms, it's very likely that consumption will increase more than 10 per cent this year, which means there is a strong possibility of extra consumption of around Rs 20 lakh crore,” underlining the potential long-term impact on economic activity.
<h2>Strong growth amid global uncertainty</h2>
Officials pointed out that India’s economy continues to grow rapidly despite international turbulence. Recently, the IMF revised India’s growth rate upward, while inflation has been controlled to its lowest level in eight years. Earlier, S&amp;P also upgraded India’s rating.
Vehicle sales have risen strongly, with Maruti, Mahindra, and Tata reporting higher demand. Three-wheeler dispatches grew by 5.5 per cent, while tractor sales doubled compared to last year. TV sales also grew by 30–35 per cent compared to the previous year.
Also Read: <a href="http://zeebiz.com/economy-infra/news-fm-sitharaman-urges-farmers-to-utilise-govt-schemes-and-benefit-from-gst-cuts-for-higher-income-inaugurates-agro-processing-centre-in-karnataka-381034">FM Sitharaman urges farmers to utilise govt schemes and benefit from GST cuts for higher income, inaugurates agro-processing centre in Karnataka</a>  
<h2>Prices and consumer impact</h2>
While high-end cement prices remained unchanged, most other items saw price reductions. Shampoo prices fell by 12.3 per cent, and GST cuts on toys such as tricycles and pedal vehicles led to further price drops.
As of now, the Consumer Affairs Ministry has reported a total of 3,169 complaints related to GST. Out of these, 3,075 had been sent to the designated officers for settlement. Through all the difficulties that the world is facing, the first six months of the fiscal year witnessed a rise in exports, and it is hoped that the positive trend will last.

The Centre has announced that the benefits of recent GST cuts, effective from September 22, have been extended to consumers during the festive season. Officials emphasised that consumption remains a key driver of economic growth, and the reforms are expected to sustain demand well beyond the festive period.Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, and Railways &amp; Electronics and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw addressed the media in New Delhi, highlighting the positive trends emerging from the GST reforms.“Tax reductions have not only happened for the festive season. These reductions mean more collections, so better fiscal room to give something back. Demand will sustain even after the festive season,” said Sitharaman. She also noted that the GST dispute resolution mechanism is functioning effectively. Since the reforms, the National Consumer Helpline has recorded 3,981 GST-related calls, of which 31 per cent were queries and 69 per cent formal grievances. Of these, 1,992 grievances have been forwarded to the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), while 761 were referred in real time to relevant companies for direct resolution.Sitharaman observed that most complaints arise due to a gap between the public’s understanding of GST cuts and actual implementation. She said that sectors like pharmaceuticals are being closely monitored to ensure GST benefits reach consumers. The automobile sector has reportedly welcomed the GST reductions, which have translated into higher sales.Watch Live: Smt @nsitharaman addresses the media alongside Shri @AshwiniVaishnaw and Shri @PiyushGoyal in New Delhi. https://t.co/YSl01P0E5R— Nirmala Sitharaman Office (@nsitharamanoffc) October 18, 2025She also noted that the GST dispute resolution mechanism is functioning effectively. Since the reforms, the National Consumer Helpline has recorded 3,981 GST-related calls, of which 31 per cent were queries and 69 per cent formal grievances. Of these, 1,992 grievances have been forwarded to the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), while 761 were referred in real time to relevant companies for direct resolution.Also Read: GST 2.0 booster: 41% Indian consumers planning to buy vehicle in next 3–4 months E-Commerce, consumer spending see immediate impactCommerce Minister Piyush Goyal added, “Indirect tax directly impacts 140 crore Indians, and now a benefit of Rs 2.5 lakh crore has been given via GST cuts. The multiplier effect due to tax cuts has already given a boost to the economy.” He also noted that nearly all e-commerce companies have passed on GST cuts, many offering additional festive discounts, particularly during Navratri.Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted, “Because of the GST reforms, it's very likely that consumption will increase more than 10 per cent this year, which means there is a strong possibility of extra consumption of around Rs 20 lakh crore,” underlining the potential long-term impact on economic activity.Strong growth amid global uncertaintyOfficials pointed out that India’s economy continues to grow rapidly despite international turbulence. Recently, the IMF revised India’s growth rate upward, while inflation has been controlled to its lowest level in eight years. Earlier, S&amp;P also upgraded India’s rating.Vehicle sales have risen strongly, with Maruti, Mahindra, and Tata reporting higher demand. Three-wheeler dispatches grew by 5.5 per cent, while tractor sales doubled compared to last year. TV sales also grew by 30–35 per cent compared to the previous year.Also Read: FM Sitharaman urges farmers to utilise govt schemes and benefit from GST cuts for higher income, inaugurates agro-processing centre in Karnataka  Prices and consumer impactWhile high-end cement prices remained unchanged, most other items saw price reductions. Shampoo prices fell by 12.3 per cent, and GST cuts on toys such as tricycles and pedal vehicles led to further price drops.As of now, the Consumer Affairs Ministry has reported a total of 3,169 complaints related to GST. Out of these, 3,075 had been sent to the designated officers for settlement. Through all the difficulties that the world is facing, the first six months of the fiscal year witnessed a rise in exports, and it is hoped that the positive trend will last. 

Nearly all e-commerce companies have passed on these cuts, offering additional festive discounts.

Centre extends GST benefits to consumers; Rs 20 lakh crore festive spending boost expected

news-centre-extends-gst-benefits-to-consumers-rs-20-lakh-crore-festive-spending-boost-expected-381250

The Centre has announced that the benefits of recent GST cuts, effective from September 22, have been extended to consumers during the festive season. Officials emphasised that consumption remains a key driver of economic growth, and the reforms are expected to sustain demand well beyond the festive period. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, and Railways Electronics and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw addressed the media in New Delhi, highlighting the positive trends emerging from the GST reforms. “Tax reductions have not only happened for the festive season. These reductions mean more collections, so better fiscal room to give something back. Demand will sustain even after the festive season,” said Sitharaman. She also noted that the GST dispute resolution mechanism is functioning effectively. Since the reforms, the National Consumer Helpline has recorded 3,981 GST-related calls, of which 31 per cent were queries and 69 per cent formal grievances. Of these, 1,992 grievances have been forwarded to the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), while 761 were referred in real time to relevant companies for direct resolution. Sitharaman observed that most complaints arise due to a gap between the public’s understanding of GST cuts and actual implementation. She said that sectors like pharmaceuticals are being closely monitored to ensure GST benefits reach consumers. The automobile sector has reportedly welcomed the GST reductions, which have translated into higher sales. Watch Live: Smt @nsitharaman addresses the media alongside Shri @AshwiniVaishnaw and Shri @PiyushGoyal in New Delhi. https://t.co/YSl01P0E5R — Nirmala Sitharaman Office (@nsitharamanoffc) October 18, 2025 She also noted that the GST dispute resolution mechanism is functioning effectively. Since the reforms, the National Consumer Helpline has recorded 3,981 GST-related calls, of which 31 per cent were queries and 69 per cent formal grievances. Of these, 1,992 grievances have been forwarded to the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), while 761 were referred in real time to relevant companies for direct resolution. Also Read: GST 2.0 booster: 41% Indian consumers planning to buy vehicle in next 3–4 months  E-Commerce, consumer spending see immediate impact Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal added, “Indirect tax directly impacts 140 crore Indians, and now a benefit of Rs 2.5 lakh crore has been given via GST cuts. The multiplier effect due to tax cuts has already given a boost to the economy.” He also noted that nearly all e-commerce companies have passed on GST cuts, many offering additional festive discounts, particularly during Navratri. Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted, “Because of the GST reforms, its very likely that consumption will increase more than 10 per cent this year, which means there is a strong possibility of extra consumption of around Rs 20 lakh crore,” underlining the potential long-term impact on economic activity. Strong growth amid global uncertainty Officials pointed out that India’s economy continues to grow rapidly despite international turbulence. Recently, the IMF revised India’s growth rate upward, while inflation has been controlled to its lowest level in eight years. Earlier, S P also upgraded India’s rating. Vehicle sales have risen strongly, with Maruti, Mahindra, and Tata reporting higher demand. Three-wheeler dispatches grew by 5.5 per cent, while tractor sales doubled compared to last year. TV sales also grew by 30–35 per cent compared to the previous year. Also Read: FM Sitharaman urges farmers to utilise govt schemes and benefit from GST cuts for higher income, inaugurates agro-processing centre in Karnataka   Prices and consumer impact While high-end cement prices remained unchanged, most other items saw price reductions. Shampoo prices fell by 12.3 per cent, and GST cuts on toys such as tricycles and pedal vehicles led to further price drops. As of now, the Consumer Affairs Ministry has reported a total of 3,169 complaints related to GST. Out of these, 3,075 had been sent to the designated officers for settlement. Through all the difficulties that the world is facing, the first six months of the fiscal year witnessed a rise in exports, and it is hoped that the positive trend will last.  