Following the GST rate rationalization recommended in the 56th GST Council meeting on September 3, 2025, the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has been authorized to monitor the pass-through of GST benefits to end consumers. CBIC tracks prices of essential commodities, including packaged foods and medicines, before and after September 22, 2025, to ensure reductions are reflected in retail prices. Reports indicate that the benefits have been passed on effectively. Meetings with trade associations and line ministries were conducted to address implementation challenges and ensure compliance. Public awareness campaigns via print and social media, as well as advisories from the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority and the Department of Consumer Affairs, guided manufacturers and sellers to adjust prices and label existing stock. FAQs on the CBIC website, a nominated nodal officer, and the National Consumer Helpline have been deployed to facilitate grievance redressal, ensuring consumers can report cases where GST reductions are not reflected in prices.

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF FINANCE
DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1360

TO BE ANSWERED ON MONDAY, DECEMBER 08, 2025/AGRAHAYANA 17, 1947 (SAKA)

MONITORING OF GST REDUCTION BENEFITS BY CBIC

1360. SHRI DINESH CHANDRA YADAV:
SHRI GIRIDHARI YADAV:
SHRI RAMPRIT MANDAL:
SHRI KAUSHALENDRA KUMAR:

Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:

a. whether the Government has authorised the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) to monitor the benefits of the GST rate reduction to the general public, if so, the details thereof;

b. whether it is true that even after two months of the said reduction, the general public is not experiencing any difference in the prices of everyday items; and

c. if so, the details thereof?

ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE
(SHRI PANKAJ CHAUDHARY)

(a), (b) & (c)

I. In the 56^th GST Council meeting held on 03.09.2025, rationalization of GST rates was done. Subsequent to that, Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) is monitoring the price of important commodities including packaged food items and medicines, pre and post 22^nd September, 2025, to see that the benefits are duly passed on to end consumers. From the inputs received in this regard, it is observed that these benefits have duly been passed on to the end-consumers post GST rate reduction.

II. Further, meetings were held at the level of Chairman, CBIC with trade associations along with representatives of line Ministries to address implementation challenges and emphasize passing on the GST benefits. Such Trade Bodies and Associations were informed to ensure that their members pass on the full benefit of rate cuts to consumers, consequent to GST rate reduction w.e.f. 22^nd September, 2025 on various goods. Along with this, wide publicity campaigns were undertaken to spread awareness about GST rate rationalization through print media and social media.

III. National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) vide OMs dated 12.09.2025 and 13.09.2025 clarified that all manufacturers/ marketing companies selling drugs/ formulations shall revise the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) of drugs/formulations (including medical devices). Further, Department of Consumer Affairs also issued an Advisory dated 18th September, 2025 wherein they informed that the manufacturers/packers/importers/their representatives to voluntarily affix additional revised price sticker, on unsold packages manufactured before 22nd September, 2025 and are lying with them, provided the original price declaration on the package is not obstructed. Frequently Asked Questions were uploaded on CBIC website informing the stakeholders regarding the same.

IV. Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) was also prepared and uploaded on CBIC website to guide consumers to call National Consumer Helpline (NCH) or register queries/complaints on the Integrated Grievance Redressal Mechanism (INGRAM) portal in case they have queries/complaints regarding not receiving benefits of GST rate changes.

V. Nodal Officer for CBIC has been nominated for coordinating responses to queries raised or issues flagged on National Consumer Helpline set up by Department of Consumer Affairs.

VI. Appropriate action is being taken on such complaints registered on National Consumer Helpline when supported by documentary evidences.