Dear Udit,
Firstly thank you for sharing the article. I am pasting a summary below for those who might not have the time to read through the complete website/ article. You rightly mentioned that no person with a disability comes with a begging bowl, the cost of exclusion forces some to be that way and there are more complex relative experiences and situations that drives a person to choose that life style of begging. I have heard really horrific stories that make my heart bleed where people with disabilities have been isolated, abandoned and left to no ones care and they have to fight it out with the society for survival. That is why I specifically spoke from a non-privileged point of view. Article Summary A recent study titled "The Disability Squeeze" found that people who are blind or have low vision face significant extra costs related to their disability, which places a financial burden on them. The research, based on a 2023 survey, revealed that 80% of individuals with vision loss reported out-of-pocket expenses, averaging 27% of their household income. This leads to a reduction in disposable income and unmet needs for essential goods and services, such as assistive technology, medication, and accessible transportation. The "squeeze" is particularly harsh for lower-income individuals, who spend up to 40% of their income on disability-related costs. The article suggests that current financial benefits are insufficient and calls for policy changes to better support people with disabilities. From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of UDIT Pandey Sent: Saturday, September 6, 2025 1:37 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Re: [AI] GST 2.0: A Reform that Still Taxes Disability hello everyone, first, I red shrooti's article. And, each and every single line's true. government should give us GST exemptions. before saying anything further, I would request everyone to go through this article published by AFB ( American foundation for the blind). And, then should speak. Because, the reason why I said that 'I agree with shrooti's article;. Is only because I have read this article. And, even they think there should be more provisions. Its not about who can pay its all about who cannot pay. And, honestly, there's a still a lot difference between can's and canot's. So, if we are living in a country, we have to think about cannot as well. And, no disable person comes with a begging bole. Its not about boals, its about our inclusion. And, Yes, I agree that these assistive technologies are necessities not luxuries. And, yes, they do ad as a burden to the cairgivers. The article link: https://afb.org/research-and-initiatives/research/partnered-projects/disability-squeeze-the-extra-costs-of-living-with-blindness-or-low-vision please, everyone, this is not a time to debate, lets try to spred this word. And, lets try to help our fello disabled and there caregivers. Lets stand united because we got this privillage that we are educated. Note: this is what I think, no offence to anyone in any matter. And if you felt bad. I am really sorry. with regards, Udit Pandey. On Sat, 6 Sept 2025 at 00:10, Saurav Hegde <[email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> > wrote: Hi, I loved Shruti mam's article personally. I don't believe in freebees but also do not in NGO distribution programmes as most of them are hopeless in my experience. Government needs to incentivise inclusion, they could have given GST exemptions to companies or institutions who procure screen readers and other assistive aids. If I earn good money, I have no problem in paying tax but we need to understand that India still has a lot of poverty and when disability adds to it, the situation gets worsened. Government also did a disservice by allocating very little to the DEPWD and these exemptions would have been welcome. At-least one journalist speaks on our behalf. Regards, Saurav On Fri, Sep 5, 2025 at 7:09 PM Mujtaba Merchant <[email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> > wrote: Dear Avichal, It's not just about agreeing to disagree; it's about understanding the perspective of people with disabilities who face unique challenges and expenses. Many of us are not paid equally to our able-bodied counterparts, and assistive devices are essential, not luxuries. The tax burden adds to our already strained financial situation. You're right that some NGOs distribute assistive devices, but that's not a solution for everyone. Many people don't qualify for these distributions, and even when they do, it's often a temporary fix. We need systemic changes that make assistive technologies accessible and affordable for all. Moreover, we must also consider the burden borne by caregivers and families of people with disabilities. The financial strain of medical expenses and assistive technologies can be overwhelming, impacting not just the individual but the entire family. By reducing or exempting taxes on these essential devices, we can help alleviate some of the financial burdens and promote greater inclusivity and support. Furthermore, the employment rate for persons with disabilities in India is a significant concern. With nearly 64% of persons with disabilities not having jobs, it's crucial that we address the systemic barriers that prevent us from participating in the workforce. By providing accessible education, training, and employment opportunities, we can work towards a more inclusive society. Regarding your comment about "raving and ranting" and standing with a "begging bowl," I understand that you might not intend to come across as dismissive, but it's essential to recognize that advocacy is crucial for creating a more inclusive society. We're not asking for charity; we're seeking equal opportunities and access to resources that can help us thrive. You mentioned being happy to pay GST, citing its benefits for the country. While taxes do contribute to the country's development, it's essential to consider the disproportionate impact on people with disabilities. We face additional expenses for assistive devices, medical care, and other necessities. By exempting these devices from GST, the government can help level the playing field and promote inclusivity. Let's work together to raise awareness and push for policies that support people with disabilities. We can create a more equitable society where everyone has access to the resources they need to succeed. From: [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> <[email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> > On Behalf Of Avichal Bhatnagar Sent: Friday, September 5, 2025 6:06 PM To: [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> Subject: Re: [AI] GST 2.0: A Reform that Still Taxes Disability Hi mujtaba, Your opinion is well taken; we can always agree to disagree. The point is that in majority of the cases that I have come across, the assistive devices are distributed by different NGO's in bulk, thus making it free for the consumers. Therefore, the tax doesn't become a burden. Moreover, those who do not qualify in the ambit of distribution due to high family incomes can and must pay the tax. On Fri, Sep 5, 2025 at 5:59 PM Mujtaba Merchant <[email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> > wrote: Dear Avichal, I'm shocked and disappointed by your reaction to Shruti's column about the GST on assistive devices. It's disheartening to see someone from our own community dismiss the struggles of others who are differently privileged. Assistive technologies like wheelchairs, hearing aids, and screen readers are not luxuries; they're necessities that can greatly improve the quality of life for people with disabilities. The argument that people should just "afford" these devices ignores the reality of economic disparities within the disability community. Many individuals and families struggle to make ends meet, and adding a tax burden only exacerbates their challenges. Rather than criticizing Shruti for advocating for change, perhaps we should be working together to raise awareness and push for policies that support inclusivity and accessibility. Let's focus on creating a more equitable society where everyone has access to the resources they need to thrive. From: [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> <[email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> > On Behalf Of Avichal Bhatnagar Sent: Friday, September 5, 2025 5:33 PM To: [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> Subject: Re: [AI] GST 2.0: A Reform that Still Taxes Disability Unnecessary raving and ranting. Why do we, the disabled always have to stand with a begging bowl? I am more than happy to pay GST of five percent, as I know how this tax helps the country; the best example was the procurement of the air defence system, which greatly helped us in repelling all air born attacks from Pakistan during operation Sindoor. On Thu, Sep 4, 2025 at 1:43 PM shruti pushkarna <[email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> > wrote: Hi all, The GST Council says the aim is to “lower the tax burden on common people, ease blocked working capital, and facilitate ease of doing business.” But where is the disabled common man or woman in this narrative? My mother, who has rheumatoid arthritis, has had 11 surgeries—some related to her condition, many not. And yet, every hospital admission turns into a battle with insurers who use her chronic illness as an excuse to delay or deny claims. Meanwhile, televisions and refrigerators get tax relief, but assistive devices like wheelchairs, hearing aids, or screen readers remain taxed as if they were luxuries. If GST 2.0 is “next-gen reform,” it is still a generation too late for disability households. Read my full column on why the cost of living for persons with disabilities remains invisible in policy, and painfully expensive in practice. https://shruti-pushkarna.medium.com/gst-2-0-a-reform-that-still-taxes-disability-382768cfe485 Best, Shruti -- Disclaimer: 1. Contents of the mails, factual, or otherwise, reflect the thinking of the person sending the mail and AI in no way relates itself to its veracity; 2. AI cannot be held liable for any commission/omission based on the mails sent through this mailing list.. Search for old postings at: http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/ --- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "AccessIndia" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> . To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/a/accessindia.org.in/d/msgid/accessindia/7E3BBEEE-FF2E-4AA1-8CA6-CD0B1D558CC3%40gmail.com <https://groups.google.com/a/accessindia.org.in/d/msgid/accessindia/7E3BBEEE-FF2E-4AA1-8CA6-CD0B1D558CC3%40gmail.com?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> . -- Avichal Bhatnagar Assistant professor at Department of English, Sri Guru Nanak Dev Khalsa College University of Delhi Doctoral research scholar at Department of humanities Delhi Technological University (formerly Delhi college of engineering) -- Disclaimer: 1. 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Contents of the mails, factual, or otherwise, reflect the thinking of the person sending the mail and AI in no way relates itself to its veracity; 2. AI cannot be held liable for any commission/omission based on the mails sent through this mailing list.. Search for old postings at: http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/ --- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "AccessIndia" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> . To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/a/accessindia.org.in/d/msgid/accessindia/003501dc1e60%24ab155d30%2401401790%24%40gmail.com <https://groups.google.com/a/accessindia.org.in/d/msgid/accessindia/003501dc1e60%24ab155d30%2401401790%24%40gmail.com?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> . -- Avichal Bhatnagar Assistant professor at Department of English, Sri Guru Nanak Dev Khalsa College University of Delhi Doctoral research scholar at Department of humanities Delhi Technological University (formerly Delhi college of engineering) -- Disclaimer: 1. Contents of the mails, factual, or otherwise, reflect the thinking of the person sending the mail and AI in no way relates itself to its veracity; 2. AI cannot be held liable for any commission/omission based on the mails sent through this mailing list.. Search for old postings at: http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/ --- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "AccessIndia" group. 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To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> . To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/a/accessindia.org.in/d/msgid/accessindia/00d401dc1e6a%246bc9dbb0%24435d9310%24%40gmail.com <https://groups.google.com/a/accessindia.org.in/d/msgid/accessindia/00d401dc1e6a%246bc9dbb0%24435d9310%24%40gmail.com?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> . -- Disclaimer: 1. Contents of the mails, factual, or otherwise, reflect the thinking of the person sending the mail and AI in no way relates itself to its veracity; 2. AI cannot be held liable for any commission/omission based on the mails sent through this mailing list.. Search for old postings at: http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/ --- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "AccessIndia" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> . To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/a/accessindia.org.in/d/msgid/accessindia/CAMDaTCbMM2_A9yvu012nhcyu_Nz4kDZUdYaQZTQg9uKZPba-6w%40mail.gmail.com <https://groups.google.com/a/accessindia.org.in/d/msgid/accessindia/CAMDaTCbMM2_A9yvu012nhcyu_Nz4kDZUdYaQZTQg9uKZPba-6w%40mail.gmail.com?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> . -- hope that you all are safe with your family, udit follow me on instagram: udit@pandey123 mail me on gmail at [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> or outlook me at uditpandey6474@outlook we should not never speak bad, we should never see bad, and we should never lisson bad -- Disclaimer: 1. Contents of the mails, factual, or otherwise, reflect the thinking of the person sending the mail and AI in no way relates itself to its veracity; 2. 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