PMEAC for 1 central GST slab each for goods, services 

The Prime Ministers Economic Advisory Committee (PMEAC) has favoured a single slab each for goods and services or one common rate for both under the proposed goods & services tax, unlike the proposal mooted by the states. 
The Centre could follow the pattern in which there is only one rate for goods and one rate for services, or one rate common to both goods and services , PMEAC chairman C Rangarajan said. He added that there are advantages in having single uniform rate. 
When asked whether precious metals should have separate slab as suggested by the empowered committee of state finance ministers, Mr Rangarajan said, I think the advantage lies in having one single rate . 
A discussion paper floated by the empowered committee suggested two main rates for goods, besides a special rate for precious metals. However, for services, the committee proposed just one rate. It also suggested that some goods be exempted from the proposed GST. The committee expects the Centre to follow the same structure for GST as mooted by it. 
However, a task force set up by the 13th Finance Commission has suggested a single GST for the Centre and the states, though the rates proposed are different for both. For the Centre , it suggested 5% GST rate, while for the states it proposed 7% rate. 

Economic Times, New Delhi, 21-12-2009