It is debatable whether the recommendations of the 47th GST Council are being incorporated after careful deliberations (Inside pages, “Packed curd, paneer, atta to attract 5% GST from today”, July 18). Will the increase in the GST rate for solar water heaters, for instance, prove detrimental to India’s efforts in popularising renewables to meet climate goals? Will the withdrawal of exemption on maps and hydrographic, and charts on the one hand, and a rationalisation of drawing, printing and writing inks on the other create a further lag among students struggling to cope with the challenges of digital education after the COVID-19 waves? Will the withdrawal of GST exemption on scientific and technical instruments supplied to public-funded research institutions hamper development of indigenous technologies and startup ecosystems? Will GST on hospital beds deprive certain sections of the society from availing advanced health-care facilities? Empirical evidence and corrective measures should be considered before there is irreversible damage.
Meenakshi Sundaram B.,
Chennai
