The all-powerful GST Council at its meeting today in Guwahati decides to keep only 50 items, mostly demerit, sin and luxury goods in the top 28 per cent bracket, says Bihar Deputy CM Sushil Modi.  There were 160 items on this list earlier.


A lower 18% GST will be levied on chewing gums, chocolates, aftershave, deodorant, washing power, detergent and marble, Modi said.


The GST Council headed by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley is looking at restructuring and bringing about tax cuts on many everyday goods for the benefit of consumers and businesses.

It is holding its 23rd meeting in Guwahati today and is expected to offer more relief to small and medium enterprises in terms of compliance burden.