The government has set up an eight-member panel to suggest tax exemptions or cuts on drugs, medicines, and vaccines for COVID-19 treatment. Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma will be heading the panel of ministers.
Since various opposition-ruled states pursued a complete waiver on COVID-19-related vaccines, medicines, and equipment required for treating the disease in the GST Council meeting, the panel has been set up.
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on Friday after the GST council meeting that the panel will need to submit its report on or before 8 June.
The panel will be recommending tax rates and exemptions on COVID testing kits, drugs, medicines, medical-grade oxygen, hand sanitisers, pulse oximeters, oxygen concentrators, ventilators, generators, PPE kits, N-95 masks, temperature checking equipment, surgical masks, and any other item required for treating COVID-19.
The panel will comprise – Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Ajit Pawar, Goa Transport Minister, Mauvin Godinho, Deputy Chief Minister of Gujarat, Nitin Patel, Finance minister of Kerala, KN Balagopal, Finance Minister of Telangana, T Harish Rao, Finance Minister of Odisha, Niranjan Pujari, and Finance Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Suresh Khanna.
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Bhavana is a Senior Content Writer handling the GST vertical. She is committed, professional, and has a flair for writing. When away from work, she enjoys watching movies and playing with her son. One thing she can’t resist is SHOPPING! Her favourite quote is: “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity”.
