India Autism Center seeks GST exemption for disability support services, calls tax a barrier to inclusion
The India Autism Centre has released a white paper calling for a 0% GST rate on disability support services. They argue that current taxes create a financial barrier to essential therapy and care, which are lifelong necessities for individuals with autism.
Why it matters
Tax policy changes for disability services could significantly reduce the financial burden on families and improve access to critical healthcare infrastructure.
A white paper released by the India Autism Centre (IAC) in Kolkata has recommended exempting disability support services, such as therapy, rehabilitation, and community-based care, from the Goods and Services Tax (GST), arguing that taxing these services creates a structural barrier to accessing care and puts families into a long-term financial burden.
The first chapter of the report, “Financial Sector Reforms to Empower Persons with Disabilities“, recommended a 0% GST rate on all disability support services and argued that the current tax framework fails to recognise the multidisciplinary nature of disability care. While exemptions exist for healthcare, education, and certain charitable activities, many non-profit disability service providers fall outside these categories, leaving essential services taxable.
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