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GST 2.0: Who Saves More on What and Who Pays for it

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Tuesday, September 16th 2025 at 10:02 GMT by The Quint
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GST Rate Cuts: Will They Really Ease the Middle‑Class Burden?
(A concise synthesis of The Quint’s video‑article on the recent GST overhaul)

In the wake of growing inflation and mounting pressure on the country’s “middle‑class” households, the Union Government announced a comprehensive restructuring of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) rates on 7 July 2023. The move, unveiled by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in a televised address, promised to slash the tax burden on a wide range of consumer staples, ostensibly making life a little cheaper for families that earn between ₹12 lakhs and ₹20 lakhs annually.

1. The New Rate Structure – A Quick Reference

The most notable change is the reduction of GST on food and medicines from 18 % to 5 %, effectively trimming the tax component of these items by a third. Items such as household appliances and personal care products, which previously hovered at 18 %, were moved to a 5 % or 12 % slab depending on the specific product.

2. The Rationale Behind the Cut

Sitharaman explained that the government’s primary goal was to “alleviate the pressure on the everyday consumer” and that the GST reforms were part of a broader “middle‑class relief package.” The Minister cited data indicating that up to 30 % of a middle‑class household’s monthly outlay is devoted to basic consumables. By lowering the tax on these goods, the policy aims to “improve the real purchasing power” without directly interfering with the government’s fiscal targets.

The article also highlighted that the GST Council, the inter‑governmental body that reviews tax rates, had been working on the new structure for several months. The Council’s decision was based on a “comprehensive review of inflation trends, supply chain dynamics, and socio‑economic research.” In a separate link embedded in the article, The Quint referenced a GST Council briefing that detailed the methodology used to determine which categories would qualify for a tax break.

3. What Does This Mean for the Middle Class?

a. Immediate Price Impact

While the theoretical savings appear significant—e.g., a 1 kg packet of rice could see a price cut of roughly ₹5 to ₹7—the actual impact on retail prices may vary. The article pointed out that suppliers often absorb a portion of the tax cut to maintain competitiveness, especially when the industry faces high input costs or thin margins. Moreover, the “zero‑plus” nature of GST (which includes a component for interstate transport) means that the savings at the consumer end may be dampened by additional logistical expenses.

b. Long‑Term Consumption Shifts

Lower taxes on staples and medicines are likely to encourage a shift toward greater consumption of these goods. The article quoted an economist from the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ahmedabad who noted that price elasticity studies show that “a 10 % drop in price for food items can lead to a 2–3 % increase in consumption.” This could boost domestic demand and potentially create a ripple effect on supply chains, leading to job creation in sectors such as retail and manufacturing.

c. Fiscal Implications

The government acknowledges that cutting GST rates will reduce revenue from this tax. The article quoted the Finance Ministry’s “GST Revenue Forecast” (link provided in the article) which estimates a shortfall of ₹25 trillion in the fiscal year 2023‑24. However, the Ministry argues that the benefits—both in terms of reduced inflationary pressure and increased consumer spending—will offset the lost tax receipts over the long haul.

4. Critics and Concerns

Not everyone is convinced that the tax cuts will deliver the promised benefits. A section of the article includes a brief editorial from a former GST Council member who warns that “the real cost of production and distribution will not change overnight.” Critics argue that the cut might primarily benefit large retailers and corporate wholesalers who can pass on only a fraction of the savings to the final consumer.

The article also highlights that certain categories—such as petroleum, fuels, and automotive components—remain untouched. This selective approach raises questions about whether the policy is a blanket relief or a targeted measure aimed at boosting specific sectors. The article links to a study by the Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR) that examines the differential impact of tax cuts across industries.

5. The Take‑Away

• Lower GST on food, medicines, and household essentials: The most direct benefit for the middle class.
• Potential for higher consumption: The cuts could prompt families to purchase more goods, potentially spurring economic activity.
• Limited price reduction at retail: Supply‑chain costs may offset some savings.
• Revenue trade‑off: The government will need to find alternate sources of revenue or accept a fiscal deficit.

In essence, The Quint’s article presents the GST cut as a “middle‑class lifeline” that will "provide tangible relief", yet it remains cautious by acknowledging the policy’s complexities and the need for careful implementation. For households that have been strained by the twin forces of inflation and rising living costs, the new GST rates are a welcome first step—but the real test will be whether the anticipated savings translate into lower out‑of‑pocket expenses over the coming months.

For a deeper dive into the GST Council’s deliberations and the economic modeling behind these reforms, The Quint offers a direct link to the official GST Council minutes, which provide granular data on the rate changes and the projected revenue impact.