Introduction: This article presents the Indian Government’s response to a query about the consideration of reducing the Goods and Services Tax (GST) rate on millet-based health mix products and ready-to-eat millet products. It explains the government’s stance and the steps taken by the GST Council in this regard.
Analysis: (a) The GST Council is considering the possibility of bringing down the GST rate on Shree Anna (Millets) based health mix products and ready-to-eat millets products.
(b) The details of the considerations and discussions within the GST Council regarding the reduction of GST rates on these products have not been provided in the response.
(c) The response does not indicate any decision or reason for not reducing the GST rate on millet-based health mix products and ready-to-eat millet products. It simply states that the matter was presented before the GST Council, and the Council opted to refer the proposal back to the Fitment Committee for further examination.
Conclusion: The Indian Government’s response provides insight into the ongoing discussions within the GST Council about reducing the GST rate on millet-based health mix products and ready-to-eat millet products. While the specific details of the discussions and decisions are not outlined, it is clear that the matter is being examined further by the Fitment Committee. As these deliberations progress, updates from the government may offer more comprehensive information about the potential changes in GST rates for these products.
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GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF FINANCE
DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE
RAJYA SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-2161
ANSWERED ON – 08.08.2023
GST ON MILLETS
# 2161. SHRI VIVEK THAKUR:
Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:-
(a) whether the GST Council is considering to bring down GST rate on Shree Anna (Millets) based health mix products and ready-to-eat millets products;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) if not, the reasons therefor?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE (SHRI PANKAJ CHAUDHARY)
(a) to (c): GST rates and exemptions are prescribed on the recommendation of the GST Council, which is a constitutional body comprising of representatives from the States/UTs and Centre. The matter of GST rate reduction on Millet based health mix products consisting at least 70 % of Millets was placed before the GST Council in its 49th Meeting, and the Council agreed to send back the proposal to the Fitment Committee for further examination.
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