(a) whether a large number of fisher folk in India are from the lower economic classes in the country and if so, the details thereof;
(b) whether the fishing hooks, fishing rods, fishing ropes, fishing twines, fishing tackles are essential products for those engaged in the fishing industry;
(c) if so, the reasons for levying tax on the aforesaid products, which were exempted under the VAT regime;
(d) whether the Government will consider exempting essential products used for fishing from the ambit of GST; and
(e) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor? |
| ANSWER |
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE
(SHRI SHIV PRATAP SHUKLA)
(a): The fishermen in India generally belong to the financially weaker section of the society.
As per the Draft Marine Fisheries Census Report 2016 of Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, there are 8,93,258 fishermen families across the Coastal States/UTs in India, of which 6,00, 890 (67.26 % of the Fishermen families) belong to the BPL category.
(b): Yes.
(c): The GST rates on fishing hooks, fishing rods, fishing ropes, fishing twines, fishing tackles have been prescribed on the recommendations of the GST Council based on the pre-GST tax incidence, which inter-alia included Central Excise duty, VST and other taxes.
(d): There is no recommendation from the GST Council to lower the GST rates on these products.
(e): Does not arise in view of reply of (d) above.
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