Since the implementation of GST 2.0, the National Consumer Helpline (NCH) has received nearly 3,000 complaints related to the tax cuts, Consumer Affairs Secretary Nidhi Khare said on Monday.
“Everyday, we are receiving complaints. So far, we have received close to 3,000 consumer complaints. We are sending them to the CBIC (Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs) for further action,” Khare told reporters during an event.
The ministry is closely monitoring cases where shoppers may be misled by discount schemes that fail to pass on the benefits of lower GST rates. Khare said artificial intelligence and chatbots are being used to better track complaints across different sectors, PTI reported.
She added that the ministry is analysing the reports for misleading offers, deceptive advertisements, or unfair trade practices where consumers do not gain from the reduced GST.
“If there are too many complaints from different sectors, then they will be qualified for a class action. We are keeping a watch on this. We will surely take notice of anything where consumers are getting cheated with misleading discounts,” Khare said, as quoted by PTI.
The complaints follow concerns that some retailers may not be fully passing on the GST cuts to buyers, prompting the government to strengthen its monitoring systems.
The reduced GST rates came into effect across India on September 22, after the 56th GST Council meeting on September 3 approved major reforms
