Chandigarh, Sept. 25 -- The Punjab government is bracing for challenges arising from the recent cut in the goods and services tax (GST) rates, particularly passing on the benefits to consumers and managing the revenue loss to the state.

Finance and taxation minister Harpal Singh Cheema said the biggest challenge of the GST overhaul would be to make sure that the benefits of the reduction in tax rates actually reach consumers. He said that while automakers, white goods manufacturers and other large companies have announced rate revisions and selling at reduced rates, the role of retailers in their dealings with customers will be crucial in ensuring that price benefits on mass consumption products reach the lower middle class and other sec...