GST panel rejects demand for tax waiver on Covid-19 vax, ventilator

GST fitment panel has recommended a short-term rate cut on four Covid-19 related items

The goods and services tax (GST) fitment panel, comprising officers from the Centre and some states, has recommended a short-term rate cut on four Covid-19 related items, according to the  detailed agenda note for the upcoming Council meeting. The lowest GST slab of 5 per cent has been proposed for oxygen concentrators, medical grade oxygen, pulse oximeters and testing kits, down from 12 per cent currently.

However, the committee, which recommends rate changes to the GST Council, has rejected the popular demand for exemption or rate reduction on Covid-19 medicines, vaccines, ventilators, temperature equipment, RT PCR machines, ambulances, etc. on