GST Reforms in Mining Sector to Boost Housing and Small-scale Enterprises

Current Context: 11 September 2025 — 56th GST Council meeting decisions aimed at boosting housing and small‑scale enterprises.

• Marble, travertine, granite blocks: GST cut from 12% to 5%, benefiting housing projects, especially in Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Karnataka.
• Sand‑lime bricks & stone inlay work: GST reduced from 12% to 5%, lowering rural and affordable housing construction costs.
• Aluminium milk cans, copper/aluminium utensils, brass kerosene stoves, and metal handicrafts: GST cut to 5%, aiding MSMEs, artisans, and Make in India.
• Multimodal transport of goods within India: GST reduced from 12% to 5% (with restricted ITC), lowering mining sector logistics costs.
• Reforms expected to reduce input costs, stimulate demand, and support employment generation in housing, mining, and small‑scale manufacturing.

Question:

Q.1 On 11 September 2025, the 56th GST Council meeting announced a major GST rate cut on marble, travertine, and granite blocks. What is the revised GST rate?
a) 18%
b) 12%
c) 5%
d) 0%

Answer: c) The GST rate on marble, travertine, and granite blocks was reduced from 12% to 5% to benefit housing projects, especially in Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Karnataka where these materials are widely used.