NEW DELHI: Gross GST collection increased 4.6 per cent to about Rs 1.96 lakh crore in October driven by festive buying spree despite a cut in GST rates.

Goods and Services Tax (GST) rates on 375 items, including kitchen staples to electronics and automobiles, were slashed with effect from September 22-- the first day of Navratri and considered auspicious for buying new goods.

The October GST collection number reflects the impact of festive season sales, and the pent up demand. Consumers had held back their purchase decision, awaiting GST rate cut after Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his Independence Day speech had announced that GST rates will be cut ahead of Diwali. The rate cut was, however, implemented with the onset of Navratri.

According to the government data released on Saturda

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