Dimapur, July 3 (EMN): The Connect Ability Network Nagaland, a disability advocacy and resource group based in Nagaland, in solidarity with other disability groups across the country demanded the rollback of GST on all disability aids and appliances.
A press statement issued on behalf of CAN-Nagaland by Diethono Nakhro on Monday stated that "Standing in solidarity with disability groups across the country, Connect Ability Network Nagaland (CAN-Nagaland) demands rollback of GST on disability aids and appliances. We are demanding that aids and appliances for all types of disabilities are made available and affordable. "
Under the newly launched GST, taxes ranging from 5-18% on goods used by people with disabilities have been approved. Prior to the GST regime, these goods were earlier exempt from any form of excise and customs duty.
"As per rates approved by the GST council on May 18, 2017, 18 per cent tax has been imposed on Braille typewriters and cars for the physically disabled, 12 per cent on Braille paper, 5 per cent on carriages for the disabled, wheelchairs and assistive devices, and 12 per cent on hearing aids.
The most essential goods and services are supposed to attract nil rate of GST under Exempted Categories. Assistive appliances and other aids are most essential and a necessity not a luxury for people with disabilities. For example, for a person with a hearing impairment, a hearing aid is essential, for someone with a locomotor disability, a wheelchair is indispensable, and for the visually impaired, books in Braille are part of daily life, " it added.
The group further questioned the wisdom of the government in taxing the disabled and making life more difficult for them as many people with disabilities come from economically weaker sections, and hence the government's decision would be a huge impediment to their education and employability and general quality of life.
It also pointed out that the decision of the GST Council blatantly violates the provisions of the recently enacted Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPWD) Act 2016 which talks about promotion of the personal mobility of persons with disabilities at affordable cost.
