The GST Council is expected to meet within the next fortnight two weeks to consider a proposal to reduce the tax rate on air and water purifiers, a move that could make these products more affordable amid growing public health concerns. Official sources quoted in reports indicated that the issue has gained urgency and is likely to be taken up for discussion by the Council, which brings together the Union finance minister and state finance ministers to take decisions on indirect taxation. At present, air and water purifiers attract an 18% goods and services tax (GST), placing them in the same bracket as several discretionary consumer durables. The proposal under consideration involves lowering the tax rate, potentially to the 5% slab, by treating these products as essential or health-related items rather than luxury goods. If approved, the reduction could lead to a noticeable drop in retail prices, improving access for households facing poor air quality and limited availability of safe drinking water.