No Plan to Reduce GST on Educational Material like Pencil, Eraser, Pen etc

The Goods and Services Tax (GST) has been a topic of much debate ever since its introduction in India. While the government initially promised that it would simplify the tax system, there have been several controversies surrounding its implementation. One of the most recent controversies is the government's decision not to reduce the GST on educational materials like pencils, erasers, and pens. In this article, we will discuss this decision and its impact on students and small businesses.

What is GST?

Before we dive into the specifics of the decision not to reduce the GST on educational materials, let's first understand what GST is. GST is a tax that is levied on the supply of goods and services in India. It is a comprehensive, multi-stage, destination-based tax that is levied on every value addition. The GST aims to replace all indirect taxes with a single tax, thereby reducing the tax burden on businesses and simplifying the tax system.

The Debate on GST on Educational Materials

The GST Council recently decided not to reduce the GST on educational materials like pencils, erasers, and pens. This decision has been met with criticism from various stakeholders, including students and small businesses. The argument in favor of reducing the GST on educational materials is that it will make these materials more affordable for students, especially those from low-income families. On the other hand, those opposed to reducing the GST argue that it is necessary to maintain revenue for the government and that the reduction in revenue would impact the government's ability to fund other public goods and services.

The Impact on Students

The decision not to reduce the GST on educational materials is likely to have a significant impact on students, especially those from low-income families. These families may already be struggling to afford basic educational materials, and the additional burden of the GST may make it even harder for them to provide these materials to their children. As a result, students from these families may be at a disadvantage in their education, which could impact their future prospects.

The Impact on Small Businesses

Small businesses that produce and sell educational materials are also likely to be impacted by the decision not to reduce the GST. The increased tax burden could make it harder for them to compete with larger businesses that can absorb the cost of the GST. This could result in the closure of many small businesses, which would have a negative impact on the economy and employment.

The Way Forward

While the decision not to reduce the GST on educational materials is a disappointment for many, there are still ways to mitigate its impact. For example, the government could provide subsidies to small businesses that produce educational materials to help them offset the cost of the GST. It could also provide financial assistance to low-income families to help them afford these materials for their children. Ultimately, the government needs to strike a balance between maintaining revenue and ensuring that students and small businesses are not unduly burdened by the GST.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the decision not to reduce the GST on educational materials like pencils, erasers, and pens is likely to have a significant impact on students and small businesses. While the government has its reasons for maintaining the GST, it is important to find ways to mitigate its impact on those who are most affected by it. Only by striking a balance between maintaining revenue and supporting students and small businesses can we ensure a fair and equitable tax system.