Lok Sabha Question No. 157 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-12-01
Subject: GST Reduction Benefits to Consumers
Ministry: FINANCE
Asked by: Shri Anto Antony

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF FINANCE DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 157

## TO BE ANSWERED ON MONDAY, DECEMBER 01, 2025/AGRAHAYANA 10, 1947 (SAKA)

## GST REDUCTION BENEFITS TO CONSUMERS

## 157. SHRI ANTO ANTONY:

Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:

- (a) the manner in which the Government ensures that the benefits of  reduction  in  Goods  and  Services  Tax  (GST)  rates  on  various goods and services are duly passed on to consumers by companies and traders in the country;
- (b) whether the Government has issued any guidelines or monitoring mechanism to ensure that companies reduce the prices of  their  products  or  services  in  proportion  to  the  GST  reduction, if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether any complaints have been received by the Government regarding  companies  or  business  entities  failing  to  pass  on  the GST reduction benefits to consumers; and
- (d)  if  so,  the  details  of  actions  taken  by  the  Government  against such companies, including penalties imposed?

## ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE (SHRI PANKAJ CHAUDHARY)

## (a) & (b)

- I. In the 56 th GST  Council  meeting  held  on  03.09.2025, rationalization of GST rates was done. Subsequent to that, Central  Board  of  Indirect  Taxes  and  Customs  (CBIC)  is monitoring  the  price  of  important  commodities  including packaged  food  items  and  medicines,  pre  and  post  22 nd September, 2025, to see that the benefits are duly passed on  to  end  consumers.  From  the  inputs  received  in  this regard,  it  is  observed  that  these  benefits  have  duly  been passed on to the end-consumers post GST rate reduction.
- II. Further, meetings were held at the level of Chairman, CBIC with  trade  associations  along  with  representatives  of line Ministries to address implementation challenges and emphasize passing on the GST benefits. Such Trade Bodies and Associations were informed to ensure that their members pass on the full benefit of rate cuts to consumers, consequent  to  GST  rate  reduction  w.e.f.  22 nd  September, 2025 on various goods.
- III. National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) vide OMs dated 12.9.2025 and 13.9.2025 clarified that all manufacturers/ marketing companies selling drugs/ formulations shall revise the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) of drugs/formulations (including medical devices).
- IV. The  Department  of  Consumer  Affairs  has  also  issued  an Advisory dated 18th September, 2025 wherein they informed that the manufacturers/packers/importers/their representatives to voluntarily affix additional revised price sticker,  on  unsold  packages  manufactured  before  22nd September,  2025  and  are  lying  with  them,  provided  the original price declaration on the package is not obstructed.
- V. Wide publicity campaigns were undertaken to spread awareness  about  GST  rate  rationalization  through  print media,  social  media,  Frequently  Asked  Questions  (FAQs) published on CBIC website, etc.

## (c) & (d)

- I. Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) was prepared and uploaded on CBIC website to guide consumers to call National Consumer Helpline (NCH) or register queries/complaints on the Integrated Grievance Redressal Mechanism (INGRAM) portal in case  they  have  queries/complaints  regarding  not  receiving benefits of GST rate changes.
- II. Nodal  Officer for  CBIC  has  been  nominated  for  coordinating responses  to  queries  raised  or  issues  flagged  on  National Consumer Helpline set up by Department of Consumer Affairs.
- III. Appropriate action is being taken on such complaints registered on National Consumer Helpline when supported by documentary evidences.

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