GST or Goods and Services Tax is the most significant tax reform that has been introduced in India in the 21st century. Since its enforcement, there has been a massive simplification in the taxation system, and many loopholes have vanished.

The impact of GST on the Indian economy has been quite noticeable. Businesses are much more manageable, and credits are provided to regular taxpayers. Online mode of payments is allowed to avoid the cumbersome manual procedures, as well as the advancements in the IT sector, have been combined with GST to provide a more effective and efficient portal for the common man. 

But this is all surficial. If one digs into the soil deep enough, one shall find that the real impact of GST on the Indian economy lies in between the lines. There are advantages of GST like better services to taxpayers, removal of tax-on-tax, etc. But the main objective of lowering the prices and increasing the manufacturing of products is now a far-off milestone.

What is the GST Rate Schedule for Goods and Services?

The various commodities and services provided have been categorized into five different slabs, called tax slabs or GST rate schedule for goods and services, which tells how much tax shall be applicable to any product or service. These are:

0% Tax Slab

The goods and services under this slab are exempted from the GST tax. These are the necessary items that fulfill the basic requirements of any human. 

Some of the goods under this slab are Poultry products, dairy products, fresh fruits and vegetables, stationary, specific food items like common salt/wheat/pulses, contraceptives, etc.

Some of the services under this slab are Education, Healthcare, Hotel services under Rs. 1,000.

5% Tax Slab

Under this slab, the goods and services have 5% of their price as tax. For example, if a commodity costs Rs. 1,000, and the GST rate is 5%, then the tax would be 5% of 1,000, which is Rs. 50. 

Some of the goods under this slab are Frozen vegetables, beverages, apparel, which are below Rs. 1,000. Footwear, which is below Rs. 500, solar panels, fuel (kerosene/LPG/coal), etc.

Some of the services under this slab are economy air class travel, railways, cab services like Ola and Uber.

12% Tax Slab

The third slab, as per the GST rate schedule for goods and services, is the 12% one. 

Some of the goods under this slab are Packaged dry fruits, apparel which is above Rs. 1,000, personal hygiene, ayurvedic medicines, cell phones, etc.

Some of the services under this slab are business air class travels, non-ac hotels.

18% Tax Slab

Under this slab, the commodities and services are charged 18% of their cost as tax.

Some of the goods under this slab are ice creams, preserved vegetables, mineral water, branded garments, iron and steel products, man-made fiber, yarn, etc.

Some of the services under this slab are financial, and IT services, telecom, AC restaurants and five or above rated hotels, etc.

28% Tax Slab

Under this slab, the commodities and services are charged 28% of their cost as tax.

Some of the goods under this slab are chocolates, aerated water, white products, speakers, cameras, fireworks, etc.

Some of the services under this slab are Movie tickets above Rs. 100, racecourse betting, etc. 

According to the GST rate schedule for goods and services, some products fall out of these five defined tax-slabs, like jewelry, precious, and semi-precious stones.

How Does the GST Rate Schedule Affect the Indian Economy?

Let us first compare the scenario before GST came in with after. Different states used to have their taxation systems. The reason being the ability of any state to manufacture a product based on its resourcefulness and specialty. Due of this, the system was quite balanced and loyal to its production. But the impact of GST on the Indian economy has been such that it took away the privilege of a state’s culture and resources and made it equivalent to other states. The tax rates before GST were different for every state, but GST has standardized everything. 

• If you compare the GST rate now with the regular tax rates before, in your state, you will find that many products that used to have 6% and 9% tax has now reached 12% and 18% rates.

• The impact of GST on the Indian economy might be fruitful in terms like online facilities, etc. But when it comes to the main question, whether it has increased the economic growth, the answer is a huge no. The GST rate schedule for goods and services was brought into effect on July 01, 2017, and the first year following its implementation has been devastating.
• GDP (Gross Domestic Product) has been quite unstable since the enforcement of GST and has been decreasing since.
• Moreover, the GST rate schedule for goods and services is not reliable. The basis on which it is formed is vague. In simpler words, the classification of products and services into different slabs is unjustified. Although the revisions keep taking place, the constant changes in the same have been acting as considerable hurdles in the track of economic growth.
• The impact of GST on the Indian economy has been so brutal that it has affected not only the end consumer but also the manufacturer, severely. The consumer is compelled to pay high amounts, which deters consumption. It has resulted in a fall in demand, and hence the supply.

Although there is a glimmering, positive side to this topic, too, it is not much in the financial terms. Yes, GST has removed double taxes, it has eased the payment modes, much time is being saved by providing alternatives to manual procedures, but are all these benefits worth it? Ask any economic expert, and you will realize that the scale of the negative impact of GST on the Indian economy is way too massive. Urgent calls on this issue need to be made to save the nation from the horrifying hold of a failed economy.