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The GST Council has postponed the decision to lower the GST rate on health and life insurance premiums. Bihar's Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary, who leads the Group of Ministers (GoM) on rate rationalization and insurance premiums, said more details need to be discussed, and another GoM meeting will be held in January before bringing the proposal to the Council again. The report by the GoM on rate rationalization, which had suggested GST rate changes for 148 items, was also not presented during the ongoing 55th GST Council meeting in Jaisalmer. Additionally, the decision to reduce the GST rate for food delivery through platforms like Swiggy and Zomato has been postponed.

The Group of Ministers (GoM) held discussions on insurance premiums, as some states were concerned about the revenue impact from the proposed reduction in GST rates. The GoM previously considered exempting GST on health insurance premiums paid by senior citizens and term life insurance premiums paid by all individuals, including family plans. Exemption of health insurance premiums up to Rs 5 lakh for other citizens was also under consideration, with the existing 18% rate continuing for coverage above that amount. The Council also clarified that popcorn mixed with salt and spices has the essential character of namkeens and should be taxed at 5% GST (except for pre-packaged and labelled) or 12% GST if supplied as pre-packaged and labelled, while popcorn mixed with sugar is considered a sugar confectionery item.

The Goods and Services Tax (GST) rate on the specified item will be set at 18 percent. Additionally, the Council has suggested lowering the GST rate on fortified rice kernels to 5 percent, regardless of how they are used.