53rd GST Council meeting: Changed GST rates for these products and services

Newsdesk:
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman chaired the pre-budget consultation with the finance ministers of the states and union territories.
Meanwhile, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman sought their views in the meeting with all the finance ministers.  This was followed by the 53rd meeting of the GST Council.  Several major decisions have been taken in this meeting:
The GST Council has given an exemption of up to Rs 20,000 per person per month for hostel services outside educational institutions.
The GST Council has exempted purchase of railway tickets, payment of waiting room and clock room charges from GST.  At the same time, GST will not be levied on battery-powered vehicles and intra-railway services.
The GST Council meeting on Saturday decided to reduce the GST rate on milk cartons.
There was a recommendation to reduce the rate of interest on milk cartons, solar cookers, boxes and cartons used for packaging fruits from 18% to 12%.