Air and water purifiers will be cheaper by 13%: Government may reduce GST from 18% to 5%; There will be a saving of ₹1,950 on a purifier worth ₹15,000.

Amid increasing pollution and poor air quality in many parts of the country, there may be news of relief for the common man. The government is preparing to make a big cut in the GST on air and water purifiers.

According to a report in Business Standard, the GST Council may hold a meeting within the next 15 days, in which the proposal to reduce the tax on these devices from 18% to 5% is likely to be discussed.

Purifiers can come in the category of essential goods

Till now, air and water purifiers have been kept in the ‘discretionary’ category, due to which 18% GST is applicable on them. The government is now considering putting them in the category of ‘Essential Goods’. If this decision is implemented, the prices of purifiers may come down by 10% to 15%. This will make it easier for low income families to arrange clean air and safe water.

Pressure increased after Delhi High Court’s strictness

Delhi High Court’s intervention is also a major reason behind this discussion of reducing taxes. Recently, while hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL), the court had strongly reprimanded the Central Government. The court had said that if the citizens of Delhi-NCR are not able to get clean air, then at least the tax on those machines which clean the air should be reduced. The court had directed the council to call the meeting as soon as possible.

Parliamentary committee had also advised to reduce taxes

Not only the court, but the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Science, Technology and Environment had also emphasized this in its December report. The committee said that citizens should not pay extra taxes for clean air and water. It was also recommended to eliminate or reduce taxes on air and water purifiers as well as their spare parts (such as filters).

Relief can also be found on rat poison medicines

In the council meeting, not only purifiers but also some other essential items used in household use can be discussed. According to the report, tax on insecticides and rodenticides used in homes can also be reduced. At present, these also attract 18% GST, which is proposed to be reduced to 5% slab.

Industry bodies and many political leaders have been demanding reduction in tax on purifiers for a long time. In November, former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had also written a letter to the Center appealing to make air and water purifiers tax free. Experts say that in view of the health problems caused by increasing pollution, this decision can prove to be a game changer.

Understand how cheap the purifier will be?

Suppose you buy an air purifier worth Rs 15,000.

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