Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary informed the House on Monday that representations have been received seeking a reduction of GST (Goods and Services Tax) rates on items like knives, spoons and water pump sets.

Upon a query on whether the government proposes to reduce GST slabs on aforesaid items, the Minister of State for Finance had said the GST rates and exemptions were prescribed by the government, based only on the recommendations of GST Council, which is a constitutional body comprising members from Union and state governments. The Minister also mentioned so far, there is no such recommendation by the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council.

In another response upon queries on gold smuggling, the Minister of State said the government makes policy interventions and takes operational measures to check smuggling.