Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will chair the 55th GST Council meeting in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, on Saturday, December 21. This meeting will focus on several important discussions related to the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in India. The agenda includes deliberations on taxability issues concerning food delivery platforms such as Swiggy and Zomato, and potential changes to GST rates on products like health insurance premiums, life insurance, wristwatches, shoes, and apparel. The council is also likely to explore the possibility of introducing a separate 35% GST slab for sin goods, such as aerated beverages, cigarettes, and tobacco products.

The meeting will also look at whether aviation turbine fuel should be brought under the GST system, which could have implications for the aviation industry. Additionally, the finance ministers of all states and union territories are expected to participate in the meeting, making it a crucial gathering for the future of GST implementation and rate rationalisation in India. Following the meeting, Sitharaman is expected to address the media around 6 pm to announce the decisions made and provide further clarifications on the discussions.

With several significant issues on the table, the 55th GST Council meeting will be closely watched by businesses, policymakers, and the general public. It could lead to important tax reforms, particularly in sectors like food delivery, health insurance, and luxury goods, impacting both consumers and industries across the country.