BJP Leaders and Farmers’ Wing Thank Central Government for Reducing GST on Apple Carton Boxes from 18% to 12%

State Government Urged to Consider Further Relief for Apple Growers by Reducing State Share of GST

Mandi, BJP leaders from the Mandi parliamentary constituency, including former minister Govind Thakur, BJP state spokesperson Chetan Baragata, and state president of the Kisan Morcha, Sanjeev Dusta, expressed their gratitude to the central government for recommending a reduction in GST on apple carton boxes from 18% to 12%. This recommendation was made during the 53rd meeting of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council held in New Delhi on Saturday. The leaders hope that this recommendation will be implemented in the upcoming budget, providing significant relief to millions of apple growers in Himachal Pradesh.

Govind Thakur highlighted that this decision will benefit all apple growers in Himachal Pradesh. He praised the central government for consistently prioritizing the state’s economy and ensuring its development. Thakur expressed confidence that the central government will continue to support Himachal Pradesh in the future.

Sanjeev Dusta emphasized that just as the central government has considered the needs of Himachal Pradesh, the state government should also think about the apple growers by waiving the state’s 6% share in GST. This would provide additional relief to the growers. He pointed out that the apple industry contributes over 5,000 crore rupees to the state’s economy.

Chetan Baragata mentioned that this issue has been consistently raised with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman by prominent BJP leaders, including Union Health Minister and BJP National President Jagat Prakash Nadda, Leader of Opposition and former Chief Minister Jairam Thakur, former Union Minister Anurag Thakur, and MP Suresh Kashyap. Baragata welcomed the GST Council’s recommendation to reduce the GST on carton boxes, stating that this decision will make cartons more affordable for apple growers, ultimately benefiting them.