Mobility is a fundamental right: Doctors' body seeks GST exemption on Assistive Devices

New Delhi: Expressing concern over the Goods and Services Tax (GST) imposed on assistive devices, which are essential for Persons with Disabilities (PwD), the United Doctors Federation (UDF) has urged the government to exempt all such devices from GST in accordance with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016.

Dr Lakshya Mittal, Chairperson and National President of UDF, raised the issue on the social media platform ‘X’. He highlighted that a wheelchair costing Rs 75,000 attracts a 5% GST, amounting to around Rs 3,750.

He stated that “Mobility is not a luxury but a fundamental right,” Dr Mittal shared a video tagging the Finance Ministry, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, and the Prime Minister’s Office.

Also read- Union Budget 2026- Here are the health highlights

In the video, Dr Mittal urged the government to review the policy urgently and exempt all assistive devices from GST in line with the RPwD Act, 2016. He further said that the government did not address this issue in the Union Budget 2026–27, after which members of the PwD community expressed frustration and disappointment.

Sharing a screenshot of a chat, a user regarding the matter said, "The rights of persons with disabilities are routinely ignored. Despite laws and mandates, the system treats us as if we don’t matter. Even after celebrating our 77th Republic Day and approaching our 79th Independence Day, those in power fail to understand what is basic and fundamental… they only act when something personally affects them."

The message further stated, “In education, workplaces, and every other sector, rules meant to protect us are ignored, and people with disabilities are often treated poorly. This is not just wrong… it is unacceptable. Enough is enough. We deserve our rights. I hope one day the esteemed Parliament and Sita Raman will realise that people with disabilities do exist in this country and have an equal right to the budget.”

Responding to the Budget, UDF said that while it welcomes the overall Budget, it is concerned that this important issue remains unaddressed. In the video, Dr Mittal said, "Assistive devices such as wheelchairs, which are essential for persons with dissabilities continue to attract GST. For PWD Divyangjan students, mobility is not optional but is fundamental to educational, work and dignity. We urge the government of India to urgently review this policy and exempt all assistive devices for PWD from GST. Accessibility is a right, not a concession."