Archive · 1 Jan 2026
GST Council May Cut Tax on Air Purifiers
The government is thinking about lowering the tax on air and water purifiers to make them cheaper.
This is because the air in Delhi and nearby areas is very polluted, especially in winter.
Some people think this is a good idea because it will help people buy purifiers.
But others say it's not enough and the government should do more to stop pollution at its source.
They suggest using special technology in power plants to reduce pollution.
The government has already made rules less strict for power plants, which might be making the air pollution worse.
So, while cheaper purifiers might help some people, it's not a real solution to the big problem of air pollution.
The GST Council is considering reducing the tax on air and water purifiers from 18% to 5%.
This proposal comes in response to worsening air quality in Delhi and surrounding regions.
Critics argue that lowering the GST rate is a superficial solution that doesn't address the root cause of air pollution.
The government has already eased sulphur emission rules for power plants, which may be exacerbating the air pollution problem.
Experts suggest that implementing flue gas desulfurization (FGD) technology in power plants could reduce sulphur dioxide emissions by 67%.
- Who
- The GST Council, which includes representatives from the Central and State governments
- What
- A proposal to reduce the GST rate on air and water purifiers from 18% to 5%
- When
- The decision is pending, with the GST Council yet to make a final call
- Where
- The proposal is relevant to Delhi and surrounding regions, which face severe air pollution
- Why
- The proposal aims to make air purifiers more affordable, but critics argue it's a superficial solution that doesn't address the root cause of air pollution
- Current GST Rate
- 18%
- Proposed GST Rate
- 5%
- Items Affected
- Air and water purifiers for domestic use
- Government's Initial Response
- Negative, citing GST Council's authority
- Potential Impact on Poor
- Minimal, due to job and home conditions
- Government's Alternative Solution
- Flue gas desulfurization (FGD) technology
- SO2 Emission Reduction Potential
- 67% with FGD technology
- Government's Recent Action
- Eased sulphur emission rules for power plants