Will try to get 99% items in 18% slab or lower, says PM Narendra Modi

Oppn cries foul over announcement without consulting Council

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Tuesday the government would make efforts to bring 99 per cent of items under the goods and services tax (GST) into the 18 per cent slab or lower. The next GST Council meeting is four days away. 

“Only 0.5 to 1 per cent of the items — luxury goods such as aircraft, cigarettes, alcohol and SUVs — will be taxed at 28 per cent,” Modi said. 

Currently, 39 items, or about 3 per cent, of about 1,280 items that draw the GST attract a levy of 28 per cent. If Modi’s announcement turns into reality, only