Highway security physique IRF urges FM to waive GST on helmets

Highway security physique Worldwide Highway Federation (IRF) wrote a letter to Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, demanding elimination of GST on life saving gadget helmets for security of the two-wheeler riders within the forthcoming Union Finances 2023-24.

“India accounts for about 11 per cent of highway accident deaths worldwide and the financial loss is about $15.71-38.81 billion to the Indian Financial system as per the newest Bosch Report. The 2 wheeler riders, being most weak, represent virtually 31.4 per cent of highway unintentional deaths primarily because of head accidents. One of the efficient measures to cut back the 2 wheeler accident accidents and fatalities is the usage of customary helmets,” stated Ok.Ok. Kapila, President Emeritus, Worldwide Highway Federation (IRF) stated in his letter.

“The helmet utilization in our nation has been discovered to be low. It has been observed that a lot of the two-wheeler riders fall in economically weaker and decrease revenue group and like to buy helmets that are cheaper and inferior in high quality. Many of those helmets will not be succesful to save lots of a rider’s life, in case of an accident,” Kapila acknowledged.

He stated that presently, the relevant fee of GST on helmet, which is a life saving gadget, is eighteen per cent. “I, as a proponent of Highway Security, strongly advocate that there must be no GST on helmets. This may assist in making the usual helmets extra reasonably priced for the lots and can discourage them from shopping for helmets of substandard high quality. This in flip will help, not solely in lowering highway accident fatalities of two wheeler riders, however will even assist in lowering the whooping GDP loss because of highway accidents to our economic system,” Kapila added.

As per the Part 129 of the Central Motor Automobile Act, 1988 sporting of helmets is necessary for two-wheeler riders.

(WIth inputs from IANS)