The revised GST tax slabs have come in to force but many retailers are yet to pass on the benefits to consumers. Some retailers attribute the delay to unsold old stock and lack of clarity from distributors. Many grocery stores say that while tax reductions should lower consumer prices, the reality is more complicated when existing stock has been purchased at the old rates. Retail sectors like pharma, FMCG and textiles are struggling to pass on the revised pricing for end products to the customers. Certain items like wheat, rice, pulses, milk, curd, eggs, salt, natural honey, and packaged drinking water, remain exempt from GST reduction. Petrol, diesel, gold, silver, smartphones, and laptops also maintain existing rates. The real-time implementation remains inconsistent, and customers are yet to fully enjoy the benefits of reduced GST rates. Homework has not been done by the GST committee. State GST department should conduct surprise inspections. And if traders do not pass on the benefit of the GST cuts to customers, they should be held liable for punishment under the Weights and Measures Act. GST officials have the authority to take action against traders.
