Following the recent Goods and Services Tax (GST) rate cuts, the government is urging consumers to be vigilant and report instances where businesses fail to pass on the benefits of reduced tax to them. Effective September 22, 2025, the GST structure has been largely simplified into a two-tier system of 5% and 18%. This significant change is expected to make many essential goods and services more affordable.
If consumers find that shops or service providers are not reducing prices in accordance with the new GST rates, they can lodge complaints through multiple channels. The government has set up a toll-free number, 1915, for registering complaints. Consumers can also send their complaints via WhatsApp to 8800001915.
How to File a Complaint:
- Toll-Free Number: Call the National Consumer Helpline (NCH) at 1915.
- WhatsApp: Send a message to 8800001915.
- Online: Visit the National Consumer Helpline website (https://consumerhelpline.gov.in/public/) to sign up, log in, and register complaints, uploading necessary documents. A docket number will be issued to track the complaint's progress.
- Mobile App: Download the National Consumer Helpline mobile app from the Google Play Store or App Store, or use the Consumer Complaints option on the UMANG app.
- INGRAM Portal: Complaints and queries can also be registered on the Integrated Grievance Redressal Mechanism (INGRAM) portal.
The government has been actively monitoring pricing, and some companies have already stated they are passing on the tax cut benefits by reducing prices. However, complaints have surfaced on social media indicating that some businesses are not complying.
To ensure you receive the entitled savings, do your research before making a purchase. Check the pre-GST price and calculate what the new price should be. Be wary of dealers who are vague about the price breakdown. Request a detailed invoice that shows the base price and the GST component separately.
The GST Council's decision to revise GST slabs from four to two main rates (5% and 18%), plus a special rate for select items, is expected to benefit various segments of society, including youth, farmers, women, traders, and entrepreneurs. The government anticipates that increased disposable income resulting from these rate cuts will spur household consumption, incentivizing investments and offsetting revenue loss from the rate cuts.
