Why is Anbumani Ramadoss Criticizing the Centre for Removing GST Concession for Differently-Abled?
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Synopsis
Dr. Anbumani Ramadoss has criticized the Centre’s recent decision to scrap the 10% GST concession for differently-abled individuals buying cars. He argues that this move undermines social equity and makes personal mobility less accessible for the disabled community. His call for reinstatement highlights the need for policies that support those who are most vulnerable.
Key Takeaways
- Withdrawal of GST concession poses challenges for differently-abled car buyers.
- Dr. Ramadoss highlights the necessity of personal mobility for disabled individuals.
- Calls for reinstatement emphasize inclusivity and empowerment.
- Proposed tax reduction aims to support the financially vulnerable.
- The issue raises broader questions about social justice in taxation.
Chennai, Oct 12 (NationPress) PMK president and Rajya Sabha MP Dr Anbumani Ramadoss has voiced strong objections against the Union government’s choice to eliminate the 10 percent Goods and Services Tax (GST) concession previously available to differently-abled individuals when buying cars, labeling the action as “unjust and insensitive”.
In a statement shared on X, Dr Ramadoss highlighted that while the recent adjustments to GST rates on various products, ranging from essential goods to vehicles, provided relief for the general populace, the removal of tax benefits for the disabled community was profoundly disappointing.
Prior to the GST adjustments, all vehicles were subjected to a uniform tax rate of 28 percent. However, differently-abled persons were granted a 10 percent tax concession, resulting in a GST payment of only 18 percent when acquiring a vehicle. After the recent revision, small cars are now taxed at 18 percent, while larger vehicles face taxes as high as 40 percent.
Ramadoss noted that this restructuring effectively negates the special concession previously afforded to the differently-abled, as the government has mandated that all consumers, including those with disabilities, now pay the same 18 percent tax on small vehicles.
“This is unfair,” he stated, emphasizing that the exemption was never intended as a luxury, but rather as a measure of inclusion and empowerment for differently-abled citizens.
He argued that the 10 percent concession was instrumental in enabling middle-class and lower-middle-class individuals with disabilities to achieve personal mobility, which he described as a necessity rather than a privilege.
“Eliminating this support will render car ownership an even more distant aspiration for them,” he remarked.
Dr Ramadoss urged the Central government to promptly restore the GST concession for differently-abled persons.
He also proposed a further reduction of the tax rate to 6 percent for vehicles purchased by such individuals, insisting that true social justice is not reflected in broad tax cuts, but in maintaining special provisions for those in greatest need. The PMK leader’s comments have ignited discussion regarding the government's strategy of balancing tax reforms with social equity.
Point of View
It is evident that the government must tread carefully while balancing tax reforms with social equity. This issue raises important questions about inclusivity and the responsibility of the authorities to support marginalized communities, ensuring that changes in taxation do not disproportionately affect those who are already vulnerable.
NationPress
13/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the GST concession for differently-abled persons?
The GST concession allowed differently-abled individuals to purchase cars with a reduced GST rate of 18% instead of the standard 28%.
Why did Dr. Anbumani Ramadoss criticize the government?
Dr. Ramadoss criticized the government for scrapping the GST concession, calling it unjust and insensitive towards the differently-abled community.
What impact does the removal of the concession have?
The removal of the concession makes car ownership more expensive and less accessible for many differently-abled individuals, particularly in the middle and lower-middle classes.
What did Dr. Ramadoss propose?
He proposed reinstating the GST concession and reducing the tax rate to 6% for vehicles purchased by differently-abled persons.
How has the community reacted?
The comments made by Dr. Ramadoss have sparked a debate on social equity and the government's approach to supporting vulnerable populations.
