Consumer Affairs Secretary Nidhi Khare on Monday said the National Consumer Helpline (NCH) has received nearly 3,000 complaints related to Goods and Services Tax (GST) since the implementation of reduced tax rates.
Most complaints point to retailers and service providers failing to pass on the benefit of lower GST to consumers—either by continuing to charge the earlier higher rate or by not reducing final prices. The government is monitoring such practices to ensure that the intended relief from tax cuts actually reaches households, Khare said in New Delhi while talking to media.
The NCH, the government’s central grievance redressal platform, has become a key channel for tracking compliance. Officials said the complaints are being reviewed and action is being taken in cases of confirmed violations.
The complaints reflect a recurring challenge-- translating tax policy into consumer benefit. While the GST Council has lowered rates on essential goods and services to ease costs, the effectiveness of such moves depends on businesses promptly adjusting prices.
Consumer groups have called for stricter enforcement and quicker resolution to prevent non-compliance. For the government, acting decisively is important to preserve consumer trust and ensure the credibility of the GST system.
At the same time, rising use of the helpline shows greater consumer awareness and vigilance. However, unless penalties for violations are enforced more strongly, the gap between tax policy and its impact on consumers may continue.