Balm for consumers: Centre wants GST rate rejig to be gradual

Caught between the conflicting objectives of boosting revenue receipts and controlling a runaway inflation, the Centre may make a pitch for calibrated hikes in the goods and services tax (GST) rates over the next couple of years, rather than a one-time trimming of the slabs from four at present to three, according to a senior official. This view will be conveyed to states, which are concerned abou…