Dear Avichal,
I'm shocked and disappointed by your reaction to Shruti's column about the GST on assistive devices. It's disheartening to see someone from our own community dismiss the struggles of others who are differently privileged. Assistive technologies like wheelchairs, hearing aids, and screen readers are not luxuries; they're necessities that can greatly improve the quality of life for people with disabilities. The argument that people should just "afford" these devices ignores the reality of economic disparities within the disability community. Many individuals and families struggle to make ends meet, and adding a tax burden only exacerbates their challenges. Rather than criticizing Shruti for advocating for change, perhaps we should be working together to raise awareness and push for policies that support inclusivity and accessibility. Let's focus on creating a more equitable society where everyone has access to the resources they need to thrive. From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Avichal Bhatnagar Sent: Friday, September 5, 2025 5:33 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Re: [AI] GST 2.0: A Reform that Still Taxes Disability Unnecessary raving and ranting. Why do we, the disabled always have to stand with a begging bowl? I am more than happy to pay GST of five percent, as I know how this tax helps the country; the best example was the procurement of the air defence system, which greatly helped us in repelling all air born attacks from Pakistan during operation Sindoor. On Thu, Sep 4, 2025 at 1:43 PM shruti pushkarna <[email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> > wrote: Hi all, The GST Council says the aim is to “lower the tax burden on common people, ease blocked working capital, and facilitate ease of doing business.” But where is the disabled common man or woman in this narrative? My mother, who has rheumatoid arthritis, has had 11 surgeries—some related to her condition, many not. And yet, every hospital admission turns into a battle with insurers who use her chronic illness as an excuse to delay or deny claims. Meanwhile, televisions and refrigerators get tax relief, but assistive devices like wheelchairs, hearing aids, or screen readers remain taxed as if they were luxuries. If GST 2.0 is “next-gen reform,” it is still a generation too late for disability households. Read my full column on why the cost of living for persons with disabilities remains invisible in policy, and painfully expensive in practice. https://shruti-pushkarna.medium.com/gst-2-0-a-reform-that-still-taxes-disability-382768cfe485 Best, Shruti -- Disclaimer: 1. Contents of the mails, factual, or otherwise, reflect the thinking of the person sending the mail and AI in no way relates itself to its veracity; 2. AI cannot be held liable for any commission/omission based on the mails sent through this mailing list.. Search for old postings at: http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/ --- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "AccessIndia" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> . To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/a/accessindia.org.in/d/msgid/accessindia/7E3BBEEE-FF2E-4AA1-8CA6-CD0B1D558CC3%40gmail.com <https://groups.google.com/a/accessindia.org.in/d/msgid/accessindia/7E3BBEEE-FF2E-4AA1-8CA6-CD0B1D558CC3%40gmail.com?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> . -- Avichal Bhatnagar Assistant professor at Department of English, Sri Guru Nanak Dev Khalsa College University of Delhi Doctoral research scholar at Department of humanities Delhi Technological University (formerly Delhi college of engineering) -- Disclaimer: 1. Contents of the mails, factual, or otherwise, reflect the thinking of the person sending the mail and AI in no way relates itself to its veracity; 2. AI cannot be held liable for any commission/omission based on the mails sent through this mailing list.. Search for old postings at: http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/ --- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "AccessIndia" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> . To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/a/accessindia.org.in/d/msgid/accessindia/CADsKw8p%2BherS4ES1A0PDUvRrQN6xOLEyq%2BAiTz671TyTz7ZW-A%40mail.gmail.com <https://groups.google.com/a/accessindia.org.in/d/msgid/accessindia/CADsKw8p%2BherS4ES1A0PDUvRrQN6xOLEyq%2BAiTz671TyTz7ZW-A%40mail.gmail.com?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> . -- Disclaimer: 1. Contents of the mails, factual, or otherwise, reflect the thinking of the person sending the mail and AI in no way relates itself to its veracity; 2. AI cannot be held liable for any commission/omission based on the mails sent through this mailing list.. Search for old postings at: http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/ --- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "AccessIndia" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to [email protected]. To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/a/accessindia.org.in/d/msgid/accessindia/003501dc1e60%24ab155d30%2401401790%24%40gmail.com.
