The GST Council, led by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, has announced good news for those traveling on religious pilgrimages.
In a recent meeting, the council decided to lower the GST on helicopter services from 18% to 5% for pilgrims.
Uttarakhand Finance Minister Premchand Aggarwal shared this update with ANI.
Benefits for Hilly States and Pilgrims
Premchand Aggarwal explained that this change was a request he made, and it has been approved by the GST Council.
This reduction will significantly benefit hilly states like Uttarakhand and boost religious tourism.
Elderly pilgrims often face challenges reaching remote areas like Kedarnath and Badrinath.
Helicopter services, which were previously taxed at 18%, will now be more affordable with the 5% GST.
However, the 18% GST will still apply to chartered helicopter services.
Other GST Issues Under Review
The GST Council has also referred the issue of GST on research grants for educational institutions to the Fitment Committee.
A decision will be made after the committee’s report is reviewed.
Additionally, the GST on online payments is being examined by the Fitment Committee.
Updates on these issues will be shared following the 54th GST Council meeting.
The last meeting took place on June 22, 2024, with participation from the Union Finance Minister and Finance Ministers from all states.
