The National Consumer Helpline (NCH) has received 3,000 complaints from consumers since the government implemented reduced GST rates, Consumer Affairs Secretary Nidhi Khare said on Monday.
“We have so far received 3,000 consumer complaints. These are being referred to the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) for further action,” Khare was quoted as per a PTI report.
The complaints primarily relate to concerns that some retailers are not passing on the benefits of GST rate reductions to consumers, instead using misleading discount practices.
“The Consumer Affairs Ministry is closely monitoring such instances where consumers may be cheated,” Khare added. She also noted that the ministry is deploying artificial intelligence and chatbot technology to better track complaints across sectors.
The government had earlier reduced GST rates on several essential goods and services to ease the financial burden on consumers. However, reports of retailers not reflecting the lower taxes in final prices prompted authorities to strengthen their monitoring systems.
Through the combined use of AI-driven tools and the NCH, the ministry aims to ensure transparency and safeguard consumer interests while holding businesses accountable for adhering to the new tax rates.
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