Congress MP Vijay Vasanth urges discussion in Lok Sabha on the pressing issue of removal of GST on agricultural products
New Delhi: Congress MP Vijayakumar, also known as Vijay Vasanth, demanded that the urgent matter of eliminating the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on agricultural goods and staple foods be discussed in his adjournment motion notice to the Lok Sabha on Monday.
“I thus provide notice that I intend to request permission to propose a motion to delay the house’s business in order to debate a specific issue of urgent concern.
In an adjournment motion notice, Vijay Vasanth said, “Hon’ble Speaker Sir, I rise to move an adjournment motion to discuss the pressing issue of the removal of GST on agricultural products and essential food items, which is a matter of great concern for both our farmers and the common people of the nation.”
Additionally, he called on the government to eliminate the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on all agricultural goods, including inputs and farming equipment.
“This will provide our farmers much-needed respite as they struggle with the high production expenses. Their financial burden would lessen, input prices would drop, and agricultural output would increase if the GST were eliminated. At a time when our farmers are struggling because of erratic weather patterns, inflationary pressures, and rising input prices, this is essential,” he said.
The Congress leader also called for all basic foods, including atta, maida, suji, besan, and other necessary food items, to be free from GST.
Second, I want all basic foods like Atta, Maida, Suji, Besan, and other necessary food items to be free from GST. Millions of Indian households rely on these foods for their basic nutrition; hence the GST’s application on them has a direct effect on the average person’s cost of living. The people, particularly the economically disadvantaged segments of society who are having difficulty making ends meet, would greatly benefit from the government’s removal of the GST on these goods, he added.
“I also want more funding for important agricultural programs, including irrigation projects, agricultural research, and the Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme. These initiatives are essential to raising our farmers’ standard of living. maintaining food security and encouraging environmentally friendly farming methods. To raise farmers’ standard of living and boost the agricultural sector’s overall production, the government must give priority to these sectors,” he said.
He called on the government to address the issues facing farmers and the average person in a comprehensive manner.
“The actions I’ve described today are essential to guaranteeing both the success of our agriculture industry and the welfare of the Indian populace. In order to resolve these problems, I hope the government will act quickly and appropriately,” he said.
On November 25, the winter Parliament’s first session began, but because of interruptions, both Houses were adjourned somewhat early. The winter session is scheduled to conclude on December 20.