An Unjust Burden: The Urgent Call to Abolish GST on Disability Essentials

The very notion of taxing a person's ability to walk, see, or hear seems absurd, yet for millions of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) in India, this is a stark reality. A powerful and empathetic plea has been made to India's Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman, urging the complete removal of Goods and Services Tax (GST) on all disability aids, services, and accessible infrastructure.

This call, spearheaded by renowned disability rights advocate Dr. Satendra Singh, shines a spotlight on the profound financial burden and inherent injustice faced by the disabled community.

Dr. Satendra Singh's appeal cuts to the core of the issue: why should those who already face immense challenges in daily life be further burdened by taxes on essentials that grant them dignity, mobility, and independence? He starkly illustrates this by asking to "imagine paying GST on walking," a poignant analogy for paying tax on a wheelchair or crutches.

These are not luxury items; they are lifelines. The current tax regime, he argues, is a cruel irony, effectively penalizing individuals for their disability.

The scope of Dr. Singh's plea extends far beyond physical aids. It encompasses a wide array of services crucial for the full inclusion and participation of PwDs in society.

This includes sign language interpretation services for the deaf, accessible taxi services, and even the infrastructure improvements necessary to make public spaces navigable. Currently, these vital services often attract GST, creating a prohibitive cost barrier. For instance, an accessible taxi ride, designed to accommodate a wheelchair, should not come with an additional tax burden that makes it less affordable than standard transport.

It's a well-documented fact that a significant portion of the PwD population in India lives below the poverty line.

Their financial struggles are often compounded by increased medical expenses, unemployment, and discrimination. Adding GST to essential disability-related products and services only exacerbates this precarious situation, pushing many further into economic hardship. This taxation undermines efforts towards social inclusion and equality, making it harder for PwDs to access education, employment, and public life.

Dr.

Singh's appeal is a powerful reminder that an inclusive society is one where every citizen, regardless of their physical abilities, has equal access to opportunities and a life of dignity. Removing GST on these items and services would not merely be a tax concession; it would be a profound statement of empathy, equity, and a commitment to upholding the rights of PwDs.

It would alleviate financial pressure, promote greater independence, and truly integrate the disabled community into the mainstream. Such a move would align India's tax policy with its constitutional promise of equality and non-discrimination. The request stands as a testament to the ongoing fight for a more just and accessible India, where fundamental needs are never taxed.