Govt unlikely to press for hike in GST rates for non-essentials next month

However it will have to find ways in which essential and non-essential items can be segregated

Top government officials hinted on Friday that the finance ministry may not push for hiking Goods and Services Tax (GST) rates on non-essential goods in a bid to bolster demand in the economy.

The GST Council is set to hold its first meeting in June after a national lockdown was enforced by the government on March 25 to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus.

“The demand for all goods, especially non-essential items, has to be induced. Tax-related measures will be taken up for discussions in the GST Council meeting. After the lockdown is lifted, economic activity has to improve