GST Council, the apex decision-making authority, on Saturday reduced the tax rate on several items, including ‘raab’ (liquid jagger) and pencil sharpeners, besides rationalising late fee for the delayed filing of annual returns. Briefing media after the 49th meeting of the GST Council, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman also informed that reports of the GoM (Group of Ministers) on checking tax evasion by pan masala and gutkha industry, and on Goods and Services Tax Appellate Tribunals (GSTATs), have been taken on board. Sitharaman also announced that the central government has decided to clear the entire pending balance GST compensation of Rs 16,982 crore for June 2022.