Port Blair, Feb 18: A Dharna was organized by Andaman Nicobar Pradesh Congress Committee in front of Chatham Saw Mill, A & N Islands from 10.00 to1.00 p.m on 17/02/2018 against imposition of GST on Timber issued to local population for their own consumption and also the artisans involved in wood based industry. The Dharna was attended by all category of people of these islands in large number.
Addressing the huge gathering Mr. Kuldeep Rai Sharma, PCC president said that the idea behind introduction of GST (Goods and Services Tax) as one nation one tax regime by the Modi Government was to do away with multiple taxing system however without adding cost to the consumer but the islanders witnessed contrary to the same. Timber is widely used by middle and low income people for constructing their dwelling units in these islands. However, consequent on ban imposed on extraction of timber by the Hon’ble Supreme Court, availability of timber became scarce and its extraction got restricted with A &N Islands Forest Department. As such public were facing difficulties to fetch their requirement of timber for constructing dwelling units and for other purposes. Levy of GST @ 18% on timber by the A & N Administration added with 10- 12 % hike in the basic cost of various category of timber has further hardened the difficulties of the common people. As a result of enormous increase in the price of timber, the SSI units and individuals engaged in wood industry are also badly affected due to sharp decline in sale of various products.
Mr. Kuldeep further said that prior to implementation of GST all the local manufactured items, materials like swan timer, stone boulders & crushed stone, sand, marine products etc. were available to general public without levy of any tax. Mr. Kuldeep demanded that timber, which is naturally available material for construction of houses, dwelling units, be issued to the residents of these islands without levying GST as was done in the past. A number of amendments have been made by the NDA government after imposition of the GST. Mr. Kuldeep urged the Hon’ble Lt. Governor to take up the matter with GOI for exemption of GST on timber considering the fact that timber is widely used by common people for construction purpose and artisans for wood crafts & making furniture,
Mr. Kuldeep continued that Andaman & Nicobar islands being far away from the mainland of India, has become one of the most expensive place in India. 90-95% of day to day consumable items of the people are brought from mainland India. There was no other tax except CST@2% and Octroi / Entry tax was prevailing in A & N Islands prior to implementation of GST and all products brought from mainland were available at normal rates. However, after implementation of GST the situation has changed and the prices of all items have increase abnormally. Tourism Sector in Andaman & Nicobar Islands is severely hampering due to the negative impact of GST and is resulting in disproportionate inflation on existing costs, and is severely hampering the tourism industry. He further said that the outcome of the visit of the senior team deputed by the Govt. of India under the Chairmanship of the Principal Chief Commissioner of GST during end of October, 2017 to study the impact of implementation of GST in the islands has not yet known to the islanders even after the lapse of three months. He urged that the local administration and the Member of parliament and the BJP party should seriously take up the matter with the Govt. of India to grant exemption in levy of GST in these islands considering the high cost of transportation due to isolation of these islands from mainland.
The Dharna was also addressed by Smti Shanta Laxman Singh, Mr. Noor Islam, Mr. A. R Manickam, Mr. Sunder Rao, Smti Ratna Kannan, Miss Mariyam Bibi, Mr. Tamil Selvam, Mr. Shahul Hameed, Smti Zubaida , Mr. Sanna Rao, Mr. R. K Raj, Mr. C. D Singh, Mr. Javed, Smti Ruchi, Smti Laxmi, Mr. Rehman. All leaders have highlighted the negative impact of GST on the general public of these islands and the anti people policies of Modi led NDA Govt. and urged the gathering to strengthen the hands of Mr. Rahul Gandhi.
