New GST rates implemented under Next Generation GST Reforms

The Government of India has rolled out the New Revised GST Rates under the Next Generation GST Reforms, effective from September 22, 2025. The revised structure reduces the earlier four slabs to two—5 percent and 18 percent—along with a 40 percent rate for specific goods. Several essential items have been moved to a lower rate or exempted entirely at zero percent.
According to the Department of Taxes, Manipur, the reforms are aimed at simplifying indirect taxation, improving transparency and strengthening ease of doing business across the country.
As part of the initiative, a Market Drive is being conducted in coordination with the Consumers Affairs and Public Distribution Department and supported by the Directorate of Information and Public Relations in major commercial areas such as Thangal Bazar, Paona Bazar and Khwairamband Keithel. The drive seeks to disseminate information on the revised GST structure across FMCG, stationery and medicines, educate traders, shopkeepers and consumers on compliance procedures and benefits, provide a platform for interaction between tax officials and stakeholders to clarify doubts, and encourage voluntary compliance while creating awareness on fair pricing, consumer welfare and national revenue mobilization.
The reforms focus on rationalizing GST rates to minimize disputes, leveraging digital technologies to make filing more user-friendly, and ensuring transparency in tax administration while reducing compliance costs for small businesses. They also reinforce the vision of “One Nation, One Tax, One Market.”
The Department of Taxes appealed to traders, industry representatives and consumers to extend full cooperation in adopting the reforms. Print and electronic media outlets have also been requested to provide wide coverage of the Market Drive to ensure that the benefits of the reforms reach every section of society.
Officials said the new measures reaffirm the government’s commitment to a modern and progressive GST system aligned with the country’s growing economy.