Former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has made a strong plea to the central government to remove the 18% Goods and Services Tax (GST) levied on air purifiers. This demand comes amid increasing concerns over worsening air quality in the Delhi-NCR region, where pollution levels have become a pressing public health issue.

Kejriwal highlighted the urgent need for affordable solutions that can help citizens combat the harmful effects of air pollution. With air purifiers playing a crucial role in improving indoor air quality, the current tax rate makes these devices less accessible to a wide section of the population, he argued.

According to Kejriwal, lowering or scrapping the GST on air purifiers would not only make these devices more affordable but also encourage more people to invest in them for their homes and offices. He pointed out that if the government is serious about tackling air pollution, facilitating access to air purification technology should be a priority.

The 18% GST on air purifiers is seen by many as a barrier for those looking to install cleaner air solutions, especially for middle and lower-income groups who are disproportionately affected by air pollution’s health impacts. By eliminating this tax, Kejriwal believes the Centre can promote public health and ease the financial burden on citizens trying to safeguard their families.

This request is part of a broader conversation on environmental health and sustainable living in India, where urban pollution is one of the most significant challenges. Governments at various levels are under increasing pressure to implement policies that reduce pollution and enhance the quality of life for residents.

While the GST Council periodically reviews tax rates on various products, air purifiers currently remain in a category taxed at 18%, reflecting their classification under electronic appliances. Kejriwal’s demand draws attention to whether essential health-related products like air purifiers deserve a more favorable tax treatment.

Investors and market watchers are also noting this development, as any change in GST rates can impact the cost structure and sales outlook for companies manufacturing and selling air purifiers in India. Reduced GST could lead to increased sales volumes, benefiting manufacturers and retailers alike.

In conclusion, Kejriwal’s plea to the central government to reconsider the GST imposition on air purifiers reflects growing public demand for affordable and effective measures to combat air pollution. If the Centre acts on this demand, it could mark a significant step towards making healthier living environments accessible to more people across the country.