well said tanmay and misbah, pluss, What I think is, the assistive devices are not some luxury goods, they are someone's necessity. And I don't think that, we should be paying gst over breathing? note: this is what I think. Nothing much. These are my thoughts, and if anyone gets hert by them, I am extremely sorry for that. with regards, Udit Pandey.
On Sun, 7 Sept 2025 at 14:22, Tanmay Srivastava <[email protected]> wrote: > Hi avichal bhaiya, > > I hope you will not take it otherwise. > > For sometime, forget that you are a person with disability. Let us suppose > you are a person without disability and government asks you to wear a > device such as a smart watch or a smart band or a smart ring and you have > to pay tax as per the steps you take. > > Now my question is will you still be ready to pay tax? > > Bhaiya, it is not about what should be done ethically it is all about what > is wrong legally, it is violating someone's right to equality and right to > life and liberty and these are our fundamental rights which cannot be > violated by the state. > > regards > > tanmay srivastava > > On Sun, 7 Sept, 2025, 12:57 pm Misbah, <[email protected]> wrote: > >> well argued and well articulated article. Thank thanks for flagging such >> a critical issues. One small clarification in India. Majority of the >> disabled are less. majority of the disabled are less fortunate. they have >> been forced to living their life miserably. Only. only few handful are >> privilege. so we should analyze all the policies from this lensperspective. >> Sent from my iPhone >> >> On 7 Sep 2025, at 10:47 AM, Mujtaba Merchant <[email protected]> wrote: >> >> Acknowledging your mail. Good day to you, have a good one! ☺️ >> >> >> >> Sincerely, >> >> >> >> Mujtaba Merchant >> >> Bangalore | INDIA >> >> Sent from iPhone ® >> >> >> >> >> >> On 6 Sep 2025, at 10:21 PM, UDIT Pandey <[email protected]> wrote: >> >> >> hello mr merchant, >> its not that I don't agree with you. But, now, I feel that, its not the >> right thred to discuss about disability related discount or wether apple >> should or should not offer it. For that, lets have a different thred and >> then, I would be more than happy to reply in your support. For this thred, >> lets stick to the topic. >> I hope you will understand my point >> with regards, >> Udit Pandey. >> >> >> On Sat, 6 Sept 2025 at 21:50, Mujtaba Merchant <[email protected]> >> wrote: >> >>> Dear Naman, >>> >>> >>> >>> Your justification for advocating for policies that support the >>> financial well-being and independence of persons with disabilities is >>> well-articulated and compelling. I appreciate your nuanced perspective on >>> differentiating between general consumer electronics and specific assistive >>> technologies. >>> >>> >>> >>> However, I would like to add that a disability discount, similar to the >>> student discount offered by Apple, could be a significant step towards >>> making technology more accessible to people with disabilities. Just like >>> students, individuals with disabilities often face unique financial >>> challenges, and such a discount could help bridge the gap. >>> >>> >>> >>> Let's continue to advocate for policies that genuinely support the needs >>> of persons with disabilities. >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> *From:* [email protected] <[email protected]> *On >>> Behalf Of *Naman Parakh >>> *Sent:* Saturday, September 6, 2025 8:59 PM >>> *To:* [email protected] >>> *Subject:* Re: [AI] GST 2.0: A Reform that Still Taxes Disability >>> >>> >>> >>> Hello everyone, >>> >>> >>> >>> Expanding on our ongoing discussion about the financial challenges faced >>> by persons with disabilities, it's crucial to highlight several points. >>> Firstly, securing employment often presents significant hurdles for >>> individuals with disabilities. When this fundamental difficulty is >>> compounded by additional taxes on essential assistive devices through GST, >>> and now the removal of exemptions under the new income tax regime, the >>> cumulative financial burden becomes substantial. >>> >>> >>> >>> A critical piece of information that is currently unclear is the import >>> duty on assistive technology that is not readily available in India. If >>> someone requires a specialized device that needs to be imported, >>> understanding the exact import duty becomes paramount to assessing the >>> overall cost and accessibility. This is a point that warrants further >>> investigation and clarification. >>> >>> >>> >>> Regarding the discussion around Apple devices, I believe it's important >>> to differentiate between general consumer electronics and specific >>> assistive technologies. My perspective is that a device like an iPhone or a >>> MacBook is primarily an ordinary product, not assistive technology in >>> itself, even if it has accessibility features. Therefore, I don't believe >>> these devices should be tax-free, as that could potentially lead to >>> exploitation or an unintended benefit for general consumers rather than >>> targeting those with genuine assistive needs. However, if there is specific >>> software that clearly classifies as assistive technology—for instance, a >>> screen reader like JAWS, which is indispensable for many with visual >>> impairments—then that software should indeed be considered for tax >>> exemption. The focus should be on the functionality that directly addresses >>> a disability, rather than the device it runs on. >>> >>> >>> >>> It is vital that we continue to advocate for policies that genuinely >>> support the financial well-being and independence of persons with >>> disabilities, addressing these various layers of economic strain. >>> >>> >>> >>> Best, >>> >>> Naman >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> On Sat, Sep 6, 2025 at 8:46 PM Naman Parakh <[email protected]> >>> wrote: >>> >>> Hello everyone, >>> >>> >>> >>> To add to our discussion on financial considerations for persons with >>> disabilities, please note that under the new income tax regime, exemptions >>> for disabled individuals and disabled dependent are no longer available. >>> This increases the financial burden on these families, beyond the GST on >>> assistive devices. >>> >>> >>> >>> Best, >>> >>> Naman >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> On Sat, Sep 6, 2025 at 8:12 PM UDIT Pandey <[email protected]> wrote: >>> >>> Well said. And as for apple products, well it's very clear that Apple's >>> accessibility is very intuitive. So, people have to stretch their budget to >>> get those devices. No, I am not at all starting an Apple vs. Android >>> debate. Plus, one can live without these Apple products, but living without >>> assistive technologies is not possible. >>> And for the organizations distributing those tools, yes, they do. But >>> then, at the end, if anything fails, or any other problem, it's the >>> beneficiaries who suffer. >>> Just as I said before in my previous email, the ratio between cans and >>> cannots in our country is not that good yet. We have more cannots than >>> compared to cans. So, I think we have to think about them as well. Now, I >>> want to take a very basic, real-life example to illustrate why there should >>> be 0% GST for assistive devices. And, yes, I'll be neutral. >>> >>> >>> >>> A Real-Life Example: Wheelchair vs. Television >>> Imagine a person with a severe physical disability who needs a >>> specialized wheelchair to be mobile. This isn't just a basic manual chair, >>> but an advanced, motorized one with custom supports. Let's say it costs >>> ₹2,00,000. When the government adds a 5% GST, the price increases by >>> ₹10,000, bringing the total to ₹2,10,000. >>> Now, let's compare this to an able-bodied person buying a luxury item, >>> like a high-end television for their home, also costing ₹2,00,000. They are >>> also paying GST. But the key difference is that the television is a want, >>> and the wheelchair is an absolute need. >>> Some might say, "Why can't the person with a disability just get a >>> cheaper model, like the person can get a cheaper TV?" This argument falls >>> apart very quickly. A person buying a TV has a choice; they can buy a >>> cheaper model or no TV at all without any real impact on their life. The >>> person with the disability doesn't have that luxury. The "cheaper" >>> wheelchair might not have the correct posture support to prevent health >>> issues, or the right motor to safely navigate their daily environment. >>> Downgrading is not an option; it's a sacrifice of a basic human function. >>> Then, they might say, "If a person is paying ₹2,00,000, can't they also >>> pay the extra ₹10,000?" Again, this misses the point entirely. The GST on >>> the wheelchair is not a one-time expense. People with disabilities face a >>> host of other unavoidable costs, like ongoing medical care, special >>> transport, and other tools. The 5% GST on the wheelchair is just one part >>> of a continuous and heavy financial burden. The real question is not >>> whether they can pay, but whether the government should be taxing a >>> fundamental necessity. >>> This isn't about giving a handout. It's about removing a financial >>> barrier that stands in the way of a person's ability to be independent, go >>> to work, and contribute to our country. >>> >>> -- >>> 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]. >>> To view this discussion visit >>> https://groups.google.com/a/accessindia.org.in/d/msgid/accessindia/CAJZg8ffetjeFCLcfO_qmoDNDP0tTXN%3D4-_KqrqTQm2GZ%3DFKJpA%40mail.gmail.com >>> <https://groups.google.com/a/accessindia.org.in/d/msgid/accessindia/CAJZg8ffetjeFCLcfO_qmoDNDP0tTXN%3D4-_KqrqTQm2GZ%3DFKJpA%40mail.gmail.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]. >>> To view this discussion visit >>> https://groups.google.com/a/accessindia.org.in/d/msgid/accessindia/CAPjGGpiPRN%3D2TDyZGHs9tC%2B76NVWsUYfucASQQ6XKG%2BkF%3Dap%3DA%40mail.gmail.com >>> <https://groups.google.com/a/accessindia.org.in/d/msgid/accessindia/CAPjGGpiPRN%3D2TDyZGHs9tC%2B76NVWsUYfucASQQ6XKG%2BkF%3Dap%3DA%40mail.gmail.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]. >>> To view this discussion visit >>> https://groups.google.com/a/accessindia.org.in/d/msgid/accessindia/000901dc1f4a%2413c8f410%243b5adc30%24%40gmail.com >>> <https://groups.google.com/a/accessindia.org.in/d/msgid/accessindia/000901dc1f4a%2413c8f410%243b5adc30%24%40gmail.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] >> 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. 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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]. >> To view this discussion visit >> https://groups.google.com/a/accessindia.org.in/d/msgid/accessindia/111DD8F4-9FCA-4DB7-94EE-A717D9181D8D%40gmail.com >> <https://groups.google.com/a/accessindia.org.in/d/msgid/accessindia/111DD8F4-9FCA-4DB7-94EE-A717D9181D8D%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]. > To view this discussion visit > https://groups.google.com/a/accessindia.org.in/d/msgid/accessindia/CAEvMuD7v-azPJ_euzB-cTKhyFM9Nvr6XRxzfyyLLJiYbLO%3DXng%40mail.gmail.com > <https://groups.google.com/a/accessindia.org.in/d/msgid/accessindia/CAEvMuD7v-azPJ_euzB-cTKhyFM9Nvr6XRxzfyyLLJiYbLO%3DXng%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] 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. 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