ICEA writes to FM, major states asking not to hike GST rate on cellphones

The letter alleged that there are "distortions in the GST rate on components" which ICEA finds illogical

India Cellular and Electronics Association (ICEA), the apex industry body of mobile and electronics business has written letters to the Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and all major states pleading with them not to increase the GST rate on mobile handsets.

It reasoned that a hike in taxes on cellphones will not only disrupt rapid internet penetration in the country, it will also affect Make in India initiative as well as adoption of digital payments.

“We have written letters to major states asking them not to increase the GST rate”, Pankaj Mohindroo, the associations’ chairman said.

A similar letter has