Mumbai, Aug. 19 -- An industry body has called for mobile phones to become cheaper after the upcoming GST reforms because they are essentially essential goods.

India Cellular & Electronics Association wants mobile phones and related components to be placed in the 5% GST slab as "the current 18% GST is regressive", according to a media statement on Tuesday. The mobile phone is the primary tool of digital access for over 90 crore Indians, the ICEA said. It must be treated as a necessity in the upcoming GST reforms.

"The mobile phone is no longer aspirational. It is essential digital goods. It should rightly be taxed at 5% GST, in line with PM Modi's GST reforms agenda and his vision of a $500 billion electronics ecosystem," ICEA Chairman ...