News Date: 24 June 2022

• The rates panel rejected demands for GST reduction on 113 items including molasses, cut fruit and vegetables in syrup, medical devices, Rooftop solar panels etc.
• The fitment panel has recommended a hike in rate on cut and polished diamonds to 1.5% from 0.25% and reduced GST rates to 5% from the current 12% on ostomy appliances including the waterproof pouch for collecting waste from the body, used by patients suffering from ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, diverticulitis, etc.
• Hearing aids will continue to attract nil rate.
• Electric vehicle, whether fitted or not with a battery pack, are eligible for the concessional 5% GST rate.
• The demand for GST rate reduction on walnut from 5% to nil and pickles and chutneys from 12% to 5% and that for ready-to-eat or ready-to-cook foods from 18% to 5% was being rejected.
• As almonds other dried fruits other than walnuts and cashews attract 12% GST.

Source - https://www.livemint.com/news/india/gst-council-to-consider-rate-change-on-only-a-handful-of-items-in-meet-next-week-11655966946315.html