ICEA Urges GST Reduction for Mobile Phones: A Call for Digital Inclusivity

The India Cellular and Electronics Association (ICEA) has made a compelling argument for mobile phones and components to be recalibrated into the five per cent GST bracket designated for essential goods. Their rationale centers on the perspective that the current 18 per cent GST is regressive, hindering affordability and access to digital technologies.

The call comes in light of a restructuring of the eight-year-old indirect tax system, heralded by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. An overhaul will see mobile phones possibly dropped into reduced slabs to boost affordability, paving the way for widespread digital access and participation.

Pankaj Mohindroo, Chairman of ICEA, underscores that mobile phones are now indispensable to education, healthcare, and other public services. He asserts that lower GST would not only restore affordability but also strengthen India's global competitiveness in the mobile sector, urging a return to pre-GST rates of 5 per cent.

(With inputs from agencies.)