This category features major sub-categories, including Automobiles, Banking, Consumer Durables, E-commerce, FMCG, and others, wherein GST-related complaints will be registered.
File Photo: IANS
The Centre has taken steps to align the National Consumer Helpline (NCH) with the Next-Gen GST Reforms 2025 approved during the 56th meeting of the GST Council in line with the vision articulated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
To address the expected consumer queries and complaints on NCH following the implementation of revised GST charges, rates, and exemptions effective from 22 September, a dedicated category has been enabled on the INGRAM portal. This category features major sub-categories, including Automobiles, Banking, Consumer Durables, E-commerce, FMCG, and others, wherein GST-related complaints will be registered.
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In preparation for this initiative, an inaugural training session by Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs (CBIC) officials was conducted on 11 September to equip NCH counsellors to handle GST-related queries and grievances effectively.
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A stakeholder consultation meeting was convened under the chairmanship of the Secretary (Consumer Affairs) on 17 September with the participation of leading e-commerce platforms, representatives of industry associations, and consumer durables companies. During the meeting, participants were urged to pass on the benefits of GST rate reductions of specified goods and services to consumers.
The helpline will also share data and insights generated from consumer complaints under this sector with concerned companies, CBIC, and other concerned authorities to enable timely action under relevant laws. This initiative is expected to strengthen GST compliance and promote a participatory governance model by empowering consumers to become active stakeholders in fair market practices.
The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution said the National Consumer Helpline (www.consumerhelpline.gov.in) has emerged as a single point of access for consumers across the country to register grievances at the pre-litigation stage.
Consumers can now lodge their complaints in 17 languages (including Hindi, English, Kashmiri, Punjabi, Nepali, Gujarati, Marathi, Kannada, Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, Maithili, Santhali, Bengali, Odia, Assamese, and Manipuri) via toll-free number 1915 or through the Integrated Grievance Redressal Mechanism (INGRAM). This omni-channel IT-enabled platform supports multiple registration modes, including WhatsApp, SMS, email, NCH app, web portal, and Umang app, providing convenience and flexibility to consumers.
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