Why the distortions built into GST are coming undone

At a time when most nations have suspended regular safeguards to expedite responding to  Covid-19 , the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council in India is still engaged in a “discussion” on whether life-saving and hard-to-come-by products should be taxed. A consensus on a zero per cent GST rate on products essential to fight Covid-19 remained elusive at the Council meeting on May 28. Council me…