Leaner 28% GST list? Council may consider rate cut for cement, paint

The GST Council meeting on July 21 will likely be chaired for the first time by Finance Minister Piyush Goyal

A reduction in the goods and services tax (GST) rate for construction items like paints, cement, marble, tiles, varnishes, and digital cameras is being examined by the fitment committee to bring it from 28 per cent to the 18 per cent category in the next meeting slated on July 21 over video conference.
 
The cement, paint, and digital camera industry has been intensely lobbying for a rate reduction with the government. If approved, the 28 per cent slab under the GST would be further trimmed from the 50 items currently.
 
“We have received a representation for a reduction