Raipur: Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel has penned a letter to the Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, urging her to consider exempting students from the additional burden of 12 percent GST on their rent payments for rooms and hostels, particularly those living as paying guests. The Chief Minister expressed deep concerns over the recent directive issued by the GST Advance Decision Authority imposing this additional GST charge.
In his letter, Chief Minister Baghel underscored that the implementation of the 12 percent GST on students’ rent payments could potentially create significant challenges for parents hailing from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. The additional financial burden could prove overwhelming for families belonging to the poor and lower-middle-class segments of society, especially in the face of prevailing inflationary pressures.
Highlighting the potential repercussions of this decision, Chief Minister Baghel emphasized that the imposition of such GST charges might lead to adverse outcomes, including the potential necessity for talented but financially disadvantaged students to abandon their education and return to their hometowns. This outcome, he noted, could hinder the pursuit of education for those who are most deserving and capable, perpetuating socio-economic disparities.
Chief Minister Baghel beseeched Union Finance Minister Sitharaman to intervene on a central level, advocating for the exemption of students living in hostels from the additional 12 percent GST burden, reinstating the previously applicable framework. He called for the Finance Minister’s intervention to alleviate the financial strain on students and their families and provide necessary relief to those striving to secure an education amid challenging circumstances.
The letter reflects Chief Minister Baghel’s earnest appeal for the Union Finance Minister’s intervention in order to ensure that education remains accessible and equitable for all students, irrespective of their financial backgrounds. By seeking the reconsideration of the GST imposition, the Chief Minister aims to uphold the aspirations of young learners and contribute to a more inclusive and prosperous educational landscape.
