Assistive devices such as wheelchairs, hearing aids, prosthetics, and Braille equipment still carry 5% GST — a tax on dignity. We demand immediate exemption.

Every person deserves the freedom to move, communicate, work, and live with dignity. For millions of Indians, mobility and communication are possible only because of essential assistive devices — wheelchairs, prosthetic limbs, hearing aids, crutches, Braille machines, screen-readers, and other rehabilitation aids.

Under the latest GST regime these essential devices continue to attract a concessional 5% GST instead of being fully exempt — placing an avoidable financial burden on people who already face economic and social barriers. (Current GST rate references: Government GST notifications and press releases; media and disability rights reporting.) 

Taxing assistive devices is not only economically unfair — it contradicts the spirit of our Constitution and disability law:

Article 14 (Equality before law) — Imposing tax on tools necessary for basic participation in society treats persons with disabilities differently and unequally.

Article 21 (Right to life with dignity) — Mobility, communication and independence are core to dignity; making life-saving devices costlier undermines this right.

Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016 — The State has a duty to ensure equal opportunities and accessibility; taxation of essential devices hinders that duty.

We therefore demand:

1. Immediate removal of GST (0% / full exemption) on all assistive devices and rehabilitation aids (including but not limited to wheelchairs, prosthetic limbs, hearing aids, cochlear implants, crutches, walkers, orthopaedic appliances, Braille machines/paper, screen readers, and mobility scooters).

2. A public statement and timeline from the GST Council/Ministry of Finance to make the exemption effective for all past and future purchases (with appropriate retroactivity or relief measures considered).

3. A requirement that disability-rights organisations be consulted formally before any future GST restructuring that affects assistive devices or services.

4. Review of the supply-chain tax incidence so that benefits reach end-consumers (many inputs remain taxed at higher rates, which negates concessional output rates). 

Removing GST from assistive devices is not a subsidy — it is an affirmation of equality and dignity. A small fiscal concession by the state will translate into enormous social and economic inclusion for persons with disabilities.

Sign this petition to urge the Finance Minister, the GST Council, and your local MPs to act now. Let’s ensure that in India, disability is never taxed.