The 56th meeting of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council is set to take place on September 3 and 4, 2025, as announced in an official memorandum released on Friday.

Arvind Srivastava, the Secretary of the Government of India and ex-officio Secretary of the GST Council, confirmed the meeting dates in the memorandum, instructing relevant officials to prepare accordingly.

Further details regarding the venue and agenda for the GST Council meeting will be communicated in due course.

This announcement follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi's declaration during his Independence Day speech, where he hinted at significant reforms in GST aimed at providing substantial benefits to the public during Diwali.

The GST Council serves as a constitutional body responsible for making recommendations related to the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax in India.

According to government sources, there is a proposal to eliminate the existing GST rates of 12% and 28%, retaining only the 5% and 18% rates.

The proposal suggests transferring 99% of items from the 12% slab to the 5% slab and 90% of items from the 28% slab to the 18% slab.

Additionally, consumer goods currently taxed at 28% may be moved to the 18% slab, while a new rate of 40% is proposed for harmful products like tobacco and gutkha.

This initiative aligns with Prime Minister Modi's earlier announcement regarding significant GST reforms aimed at benefiting citizens during the festive season.