Mon Dec 02 19:00:51 UTC 2024: **Lok Sabha Debates 18% GST on Fruit Protection Paper Bags**
**Vijayawada, India (December 3, 2024)** – Vijayawada MP Kesineni Shivnath raised concerns in the Lok Sabha on Monday regarding the 18% Goods and Services Tax (GST) levied on paper bags used to protect fruits. In a written response, Union Minister of State for Finance, Pankaj Chaudhary, confirmed the current tax rate. However, due to the lack of a specific Harmonised System (HS) code for these bags, data on GST collection over the past five years is unavailable. The Minister stated that there are currently no plans to reduce the GST rate, as such a decision rests with the GST Council and no relevant recommendations have been received.
First Piper 