New Delhi, Aug. 20 -- India's mobile and electronics manufacturing sector has formally requested the government to reclassify mobile phones and their components under the 5 per cent GST category designated for essential goods.

The India Cellular & Electronics Association (ICEA), the industry's representative body, has characterised the current 18 per cent GST rate on mobile devices as regressive, arguing that these products constitute essential digital infrastructure for over 900 million Indians.

The industry's appeal comes in the context of anticipated GST reforms announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his Independence Day address.

The Prime Minister outlined plans for next-generation GST restructuring focused on rate ration...