Overview

• GST 2.0 has been in force since September 22, consolidating most rates into 5% and 18% with a 40% band for select items.
• On October 8, Finance Minister Payyavula Keshav made a surprise check at Sri Shirdi Sai Super Market in Uravakonda to verify that lower GST rates are reflected in shelf prices.
• Keshav said prices have fallen on daily-use goods and appliances such as toothpaste, soaps, air conditioners and refrigerators, estimating that families could save thousands of rupees annually.
• Commercial Taxes officials, including joint commissioner Hema and deputy commissioner Bhaskar Valli, joined the inspection as the department was tasked with broad public outreach on the new regime.
• At an October 9 outreach event, Minister S. Savitha called the reform a relief for poor and middle-class households, with the district collector saying chronic-disease medicines are exempt from GST and urging sector-specific awareness sessions.