GST Scam Alert: 3,000 Complaints Flood Helpline
Consumers report retailers withholding GST rate cut benefits.
The National Consumer Helpline (NCH) has been inundated with 3,000 complaints related to Goods and Services Tax (GST) issues following recent tax rate reductions, Consumer Affairs Secretary Nidhi Khare revealed on Monday. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of an event, Khare emphasized that the Consumer Affairs Ministry is taking swift action to address concerns that retailers are failing to pass on the benefits of lower GST rates to consumers.
"We have received 3,000 consumer complaints so far, which we are forwarding to the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) for further investigation and action," Khare stated. The surge in grievances highlights growing suspicions that some businesses are engaging in misleading discount practices, such as inflating prices to offset the tax cuts, thereby cheating consumers out of entitled savings.
To tackle the issue, the ministry is leveraging advanced technology, including artificial intelligence and chatbot systems, to analyze complaints across various sectors and identify patterns of non-compliance. "We are closely monitoring these practices to ensure consumers receive the full benefits of the GST rate reductions," Khare added, underscoring the government's commitment to protecting consumer rights.
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The complaints come amid heightened scrutiny of retail practices following the GST rate cuts, which were intended to lower costs for consumers on a range of goods and services. However, concerns have emerged that some retailers are exploiting loopholes, such as offering superficial discounts or failing to adjust prices, to retain higher profit margins. The ministry’s proactive measures aim to strengthen oversight and ensure accountability in the marketplace.
As the CBIC investigates the complaints, the government is urging consumers to remain vigilant and report any discrepancies through the NCH. This crackdown signals a broader push to enforce transparency and fairness in pricing, safeguarding the financial interests of millions of consumers across India.
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