Kerala Finance Minister Seeks Exemption from GST for assistive devices

[National Platform For The Rights of the Disabled]

Dear All,

As part of the independent efforts that we have been making on the GST issue, the NPRD, as you may be aware had sought the intervention of the Kerala Finance Minister, Dr. Thomas Issac.

Kerala Finance Minister, Dr. Thomas Issac has sought exemption from GST for assistive devices and appliances used by persons with disabilities. In his speech, a hard copy of which has been made available to us, Dr. Issac has sought  exemption from GST for assistive devices used by persons with disabilities.

The relevant portion of his speech is being reproduced here below:

"Regarding assistive devices for physically challenged persons all states have granted exemptions based on the empowered committee approved list. The list under GST is comprehensive one. But it is seen made taxable at 5%. It has been also criticized that some of the commodities fall at higher rate. Considering the negligible revenue impact of these commodities, it can be exempted. It could facilitate the trade to pass on the reduction in prices to the beneficiaries."

We hope the finance ministers from other states, whom our friends from NFB and other disability rights organisations have approached also take a similar stand.

Regards

Muralidharan

Secretary

National Platform for the Rights of the Disabled