As Delhi-NCR continues to choke under hazardous air quality, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has urged the central government to immediately remove the 18% Goods and Services Tax (GST) imposed on air and water purifiers. Calling the tax an “outright injustice,” he argued that clean air and safe drinking water are fundamental rights and must not be treated as luxury commodities subject to high taxation.
Escalating Pollution and Rising Public Health Concerns:
Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) has persistently hovered in the “Very Poor” to “Severe” categories over the past weeks, prompting widespread health concerns. With pollution-related illnesses on the rise, many households have turned to air purifiers as a necessity rather than a choice. Kejriwal stated that instead of easing public distress, the GST burden makes life even more difficult for families who are already struggling to protect themselves from toxic air.
In a strongly worded statement, he said that if the government cannot provide effective solutions to pollution, it should at least refrain from adding financial stress by taxing what has become essential survival equipment.
Political Reactions and National Attention:
Kejriwal’s demand has sparked significant political conversation. Leaders across the opposition have echoed the need for urgent action on air quality, with calls for structured parliamentary debate on environmental health issues. Lawmakers emphasized that the pollution crisis is no longer a seasonal problem but a recurring public health emergency requiring decisive policy intervention.
Health experts have also sounded the alarm. Doctors warn that prolonged exposure to polluted air increases risks of asthma, lung disease, cardiac complications and other long-term health concerns. Vulnerable groups — including children, elderly citizens and individuals with respiratory illnesses — remain at highest risk.
Industry Push for GST Revision:
The purifier industry has also stepped into the discussion. Manufacturers and associations in the air and water purifier sectors have been urging the government to reduce GST rates, arguing that these devices are now essential for public health protection. They emphasize that heavy taxation restricts affordability for middle- and lower-income families who need these products the most.
Several industry bodies have recommended reducing GST on purifiers from 18% to 5%, aligning them with essential health-related goods.
Key Issues and Implications:
| Issue | Significance |
|---|---|
| Affordability | High GST makes essential purifiers costlier for common households. |
| Public Health | Greater access to purifiers may reduce exposure to hazardous pollutants. |
| Environmental Policy | Scrapping GST could signal stronger government commitment to health protection. |
| Market Impact | Lower tax rates may boost demand and expand the purifier market. |
