India, Sept. 22 -- As new Goods and Services Tax (GST) rates take effect from Monday, several essential goods and services will attract zero tax under the revised framework.

Taxes on a range of food items, essential medicines, and stationery have been reduced to zero, providing direct relief to consumers and households.

The GST Council on September 3 approved a sweeping revision of the indirect tax structure, cutting rates across a wide range of goods.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in an address to the nation on Sunday evening, said that the combined impact of the new GST rates and the earlier income tax reforms will help Indians save around Rs.2.5 lakh crore.

The new GST regime adopts a two-tier structure, with most goods and service...