INDIA bloc stages protest against 18 per cent GST on health, life insurance premiums

New Delhi: Raising the demand for a reduction in the 18% Goods and Services Tax (GST) imposed on life and health insurance premiums, the INDIA alliance leaders protested against the Central government outside the Makar Dwar in the Parliament on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also joined the protest.

Congress MP Jebi Mather spoke on this and said that no GST should be applied to health and life insurance. She added that this government decision reflects no respect for human faith.

Also Read: Nitin Gadkari seeks removal of 18 per cent GST on Life, Health Insurance Premiums; writes to FM Sitharaman

Medical Dialogues team recently reported that Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari has written to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to remove 18 per cent Goods and Services Tax (GST) imposed on life and medical insurance premiums.

Speaking to ANI, Mather said, "Now, the central government has imposed 18 per cent GST on the insurance, which is taken by the poor as a solace. This decision by the government just reflects that there is no respect for human faith and the India bloc stands united in demanding a rollback of the GST on insurance."

Earlier, on August 2, the All India Trinamool Congress (AITMC) leader and MP Sudip Bandyopadhyay criticised the Union government, calling the 18 per cent GST on medical and health insurance "anti-people" and said that it is adversely affecting the citizens of the country.

Speaking with the reporters, Bandyopadhyay asserted that the matter of GST on health has been raised by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

He said, "We raised the issue today that GST on life insurance premiums and medicine be withdrawn immediately. Our Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, raised her voice yesterday. We feel that this GST is anti-people. This GST is adversely affecting the people of the country", adds ANI.

He further emphasised that the government should take back the move. The government must roll back and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman should come to the House and declare it immediately.

"We will go to the streets if necessary for a bigger movement under the leadership of Mamata Banerjee," he added.

Meanwhile, the TMC Lok Sabha MPs also staged a protest, demanding the removal of GST on medical and health insurance on August 3.

Also Read: IMA Kerala Liable to Pay GST on Supply of Goods and Services to its Members: HC