The 56th meeting of the GST Council, held in New Delhi under the chairpersonship of Union Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, made recommendations for changes in GST rates aimed at providing relief to individuals, the common man, the aspirational middle class, and facilitating trade under GST. The new rates and slabs for items linked to the mining sector are expected to have a positive impact on the housing industry and small-scale enterprises.

Under the new rates, marble and travertine blocks, as well as granite blocks, will now attract a GST rate of 5 per cent, down from the earlier 12 per cent. This reduction will benefit the housing sector, as marble and granite are widely used in construction. These materials are predominantly extracted in states such as Rajasthan, Gujarat and Karnataka.

Additionally, the reduction in GST rates on sand lime bricks and stone inlay work from 12 per cent to 5 per cent will lower the construction cost of affordable housing, particularly in rural areas.

The GST rates on aluminium milk cans, as well as table, kitchen and other household articles made of copper or aluminium, will also be reduced from 12 per cent to 5 per cent. As these utensils, milk cans and household items are everyday essentials, the lower tax rate is expected to increase demand by reducing retail prices. This will help households save money while encouraging the use of healthier and more durable alternatives to plastic. Micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) involved in producing such items will also benefit from increased demand and expanded markets.

Furthermore, GST rates on brass kerosene pressure stoves have been reduced from 12 per cent to 5 per cent. This move will support rural and low-income families by making basic cooking tools more affordable, ensuring wider energy access.

GST rates for handicrafts made of brass, copper or copper alloys electroplated with nickel or silver, as well as aluminium handicrafts, are being lowered from 12 per cent to 5 per cent. As most of these products are manufactured by artisans and small enterprises, the reduced rates will enhance their competitiveness and expand their customer base. Since handicraft art ware represents India’s cultural heritage, the tax cuts will further promote Indian culture and the ‘Make in India’ initiative.

With regard to services linked to the Ministry of Mines, the GST rate for the supply of multimodal transport of goods within India is being reduced from 12 per cent to 5 per cent (with restricted input tax credit). This will benefit the mining and mineral industry, particularly the iron ore sector, which involves long-distance transport.