Dear Sandesh,
I understand your perspective, but I strongly disagree with the notion that people with disabilities who can afford Apple products should be okay with paying 5% GST on assistive devices. The issue here is about accessibility and equal opportunities, not just affordability. Many individuals with disabilities face significant challenges and expenses, and advocating for discounts or exemptions on assistive technologies is crucial for promoting inclusivity. It's also worth noting that Apple offers student discounts, so why not disability discounts? It's not about "playing the disability card" but about recognizing the unique needs and challenges faced by people with disabilities. I believe it's essential to consider the perspectives of individuals who rely on assistive devices and work towards creating a more inclusive society. From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Sandesh Sent: Saturday, September 6, 2025 2:28 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Re: [AI] GST 2.0: A Reform that Still Taxes Disability This perspective is also fine, but there are apple and mac users also. And few days back, some questioned about reduced rates of IPhones were also come on the list. Those happily purchasing such devices should not speak these things. And if you are fine with devices, you should be OK with 5% GST. If government removes this slab, It's fine, but it doesn't, then I am with the government since this is not that an issue as it is shown to be. And second point is already well explained by Avichal, that there are plenty of organisations who distribute such accessibility things like softwares etc free of cost. Raisers of such questions smartly keep these things aside and ......... I won't speak further, it might perhaps take unnecessary turn to the discussion. Yes, again, my last few cents are nothing wrong with 5% of GST. Vande Mataram ----- Original Message ----- From: Mujtaba Merchant <mailto:[email protected]> To: [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> Sent: Friday, September 5, 2025 7:08 PM Subject: RE: [AI] GST 2.0: A Reform that Still Taxes Disability 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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