Spokesperson: Prof. Gourav Vallabh:He said- Centre to collect GST in tune of Rs. 6,000 Crores just from 3 Most essential Medical Items (COVID-19 Vaccines, Oxygen Concentrators and Remdesivir) in 1 Year.

The handling of the current crisis by the BJP government at the Centre has been nothing short of abysmal. Sheer mismanagement, lax approach, no foresight, no preparedness, misplaced priorities, and no empathy are the words you associate with the central government. They have betrayed the trust bestowed by crores of Indians on them.

The Modi government is still in the search of opportunity in the times of crisis. Their arrogant, unapologetic attitude is adding on to the plight of crores of Indians every day. We read tragic news of people dying due to lack of Oxygen, Oxygen concentrators not being available and people finding it extremely difficult to source Remdesivir and other key medicines. All sane voices from around the country including various Chief Ministers have requested the government to reduce GST rates being levied on key medical items such as Vaccines, Oxygen Concentrators, Ventilators etc. The government on the contrary is eyeing an opportunity to make money in the times of crisis. The Finance-Minister has been making frail arguments justifying the current GST rates being levied.

The Congress party vehemently opposes the arguments provided by the honorable Finance Minister: 1. When all sane voices are demanding an exemption on GST, their objective is reduced prices for the end consumer. They not only call for an exemption on the output or the final product. The government must provide exemption on the input / raw material too, being used for manufacturing, to bring the prices down for the end consumers. Why is the government reluctant to benefit the end consumers? 2. Vaccines etc. are not only procured by states but by Pvt. hospitals too. When most of their services are exempted from GST, they will not be able to avail input credit. Naturally, they will pass on this cost to end consumers. Shouldn’t the focus be to make the vaccine jabs more affordable for everyone? 3. The Central government will be collecting close to Rs. 3,000 crores as GST on vaccines being procured by states and private hospitals. If we include GST rates on Remdesivir and Oxygen Concentrators, the GST collected by the Central Government will be in excess of Rs. 3,000 Crores. When the states and the citizens have such an enormous fight on their hands, why can the Centre not waive off GST for all essential COVID related medical items? Is this the opportunity to be making money or providing relief to citizens? 4. The same amount can be used to help procure/set-up: Ø 12 Lakh Oxygen Concentrators Ø 1.2 Lakh Ventilators Ø Upto 20 Crore doses of vaccines Ø 6 AIIMS like hospitals

Would this not be a big relief to the citizens of our country?

The Congress party, once again, demands that the central government exempt all COVID-19 related medical items from GST. Taxes are collected to provide benefits to citizens. When the citizens can benefit directly from GST exemption, why not pass the benefits to them directly. Wednesday, May 12, 2021