The Unjust Burden: Kejriwal Demands Removal of 18% GST on Life-Saving Air Purifiers

You know, it's truly disheartening when something meant to protect our health becomes an unaffordable luxury. That's precisely the sentiment Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal echoed recently, calling the 18% Goods and Services Tax (GST) on air purifiers absolutely "unjust." And honestly, who can blame him? In a city like Delhi, where the air quality often dips into hazardous levels, these aren't just gadgets; they're almost a necessity for survival, particularly for families with children or those suffering from respiratory issues.

Kejriwal's argument is straightforward and compelling: an air purifier, especially given Delhi’s notorious pollution woes, shouldn't be treated like some optional fancy item. It's a critical tool for maintaining indoor air quality, which, let's face it, is a huge concern here. The idea that families should pay a hefty 18% tax just to ensure their loved ones can breathe a little cleaner indoors feels, well, morally wrong. It adds an unnecessary financial burden on the very people struggling the most with the environmental challenges of urban life.

What's truly frustrating is the global context. Think about it: developed nations like the United States, the European Union countries, the United Kingdom, and Canada – they don't slap GST or any similar tax on air purifiers. They recognize them as essential health equipment, especially in regions facing air quality issues. It’s a stark contrast, isn't it? While others facilitate access to clean air solutions, we're making them more expensive. This point alone highlights a significant disconnect in how we're addressing public health emergencies.

The plea from the Chief Minister isn't just a political statement; it's a heartfelt appeal to the central government to reconsider this policy. He's urging them to completely remove this 18% GST, making air purifiers more accessible and affordable for the common man. Because at the end of the day, ensuring citizens can protect their health from airborne pollutants isn't a luxury; it's a fundamental responsibility of any government. It’s about prioritizing the well-being of the populace over tax revenue from essential health products.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, under Kejriwal, has consistently positioned itself as a champion for the common citizen, offering services like free electricity, free water, and accessible healthcare – policies aimed at easing financial pressure. This demand for GST removal on air purifiers fits perfectly into that narrative, underscoring their commitment to improving the quality of life for Delhiites. After all, what good are other services if the very air we breathe indoors is silently harming us?

Delhi has, unfortunately, become synonymous with air pollution, particularly during the colder months when smog blankets the city. Efforts like "anti-smog guns" and the "Red Light On, Gaadi Off" campaign have been implemented, showing a recognition of the problem. But when indoor air quality remains a concern, making crucial mitigating tools like air purifiers more expensive simply doesn't add up. It's time to put people's health first and lift this unjust tax.