Do you feel like you're not necessarily getting the advantage of the recent GST rate reductions? That television or mobile phone you've had your eye on suddenly gotten more affordable? Or your favorite ice cream container at your local shop? Most likely, the price sticker still appears to be the same.
This, despite the GST Council's 56th meeting, headed by the Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, having approved huge reforms. From 22 September 2025, tax rates have been cut across all these broad categories like food, medicines, cars, electronics, FMCG, e-commerce, even insurance. But in most instances, sellers and brands might not be transmitting those cost savings to customers.
So, what can you do about it?
The Department of Consumer Affairs has registered the National Consumer Helpline (NCH) with the new GST reforms to safeguard your consumer rights. If your shopkeeper, e-commerce site, or service provider is not providing you with the GST advantage, you can now complain.
It's easy. Just call 1915, in 17 languages including Hindi, English, Bengali, Tamil, Punjabi, and others. Or go online to consumerhelpline.gov.in. The NCH is an omni-channel platform, so you can also lodge a complaint on WhatsApp, SMS, email, or via the NCH and UMANG apps.
To make it easier, a dedicated GST segment has been activated on the INGRAM portal. That includes sub-segments such as automobiles, banking, consumer durables, FMCG, and e-commerce. Which means that if it's your new refrigerator, a bank fee, or an e-commerce buy, you can file your grievance under the appropriate section.
Every grievance receives a distinct docket number, allowing you to see progress in the open until closure.
To cope with the anticipated rise in GST-related complaints, NCH counsellors were trained by CBIC officials in the early part of this month. A stakeholder consultation led by the Secretary of Consumer Affairs also saw e-commerce companies, industry associations, and manufacturers present. The message was unambiguous: brands need to translate GST reductions to consumers.
This is not only about redressing grievances. It's about developing a model of participatory governance in which consumers are active stakeholders in upholding fair market practices.
The NCH does not merely log grievances, it provides data and insights to companies, regulators such as the CBIC, and other authorities.
Consider GST rate reduction as your rightful discount. If you're not receiving it, then you don't need to quietly accept it. With the National Consumer Helpline only a call or click away, you now have the means to ensure that you receive what's owed to you.
So the next time your bill seems suspiciously inflated, don't brush it aside. Call to the helpline, file a complaint, and ensure your GST benefit reaches you.
