GoM proposes hike in GST on aerated drinks, cigarettes & tobacco to 35%

At a meeting on Monday, ahead of the GST Council meeting on December 21, the Group of Ministers (GoM) on rate rationalisation finalised its report with this recommendation of a special rate, in addition to proposing a slew of rate tweaks for over 148 items including readymade garments. The proposed hike in GST rates for sin goods, from the current highest slab of 28 per cent, would help the Centre…