India, Sept. 23 -- The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has been mandated to ensure that businesses pass on the full benefits of a reduced Goods and Services Tax (GST) to buyers and violators could be charged with "unfair trade practices", an offence under the Consumer Protection Act 2019, an official said.

A special wing of the consumer-rights watchdog has been tasked with monitoring market rates of over 430 commonly traded items through field inspections, following a new, lower national consumption tax that took effect on Monday.

India on Sept 4 slashed and simplified the GST, hoping to boost local consumption in an economy battling steep tariffs imposed by the US. The GST Council approved two rates of 5% and 18% against a...