GST to be reduced on white goods

The Government now plans to reduce goods and services tax on consumer durables like washing machines and refrigerators from the current level of 28% as part of the next round of rationalisation.

The reason for lower levy on restaurants was also to free women from household chores, which begin with packing lunch for children in the morning and extend till late at night. Globally, products such as dish washers and washing machines are seen to be items which have unburdened women, leaving them with more time for themselves or other productive work. Besides, products such as dish washers are largely imported into India and lower local levies through GST may also provide an incentive to companies to manufacture them in India, instead of shipping them from South Korea and other countries. Numerous white goods are already in the 12% and 18% brackets.