It accuses Centre of displaying ‘opportunism in crisis’A GST (Goods and Services Tax) waiver on vaccines, Remdesivir and oxygen concentrators can save ₹6000 crore for the State governments and individuals, the Congress on Wednesday claimed, reiterating its demand that the tax must be waived on all goods necessary to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. The GST collection by the Centre for two doses of vaccines for the entire population would come to ₹3000 crore. And as per the current rate of sales, nearly an equal amount of GST would be collected by the Centre on sale of Remdesivir and oxygen concentrators. There is 5 per cent GST on vaccines and 12 per cent on Remdesivir and oxygen concentrators. “Why can’t the Finance Minister call a meeting of the GST Council to hear from the State finance ministers,” he asked.

Source: The Hindu May 12, 2021 11:49 UTC