THE government decision to collect 15 percent VAT from July 1 on essential educational materials like writing paper and exercise books with many other such goods and services has shocked the nation. It is unthinkable to put educational materials on higher VAT list when every country treats such goods and services with leniency to keep the cost of education affordable. Children are going to schools, colleges and universities from almost every family and guardians of most families find paying various educational expenses including high tuition fees of their wards unbearable in most cases. Additional taxing of paper and such other materials will now create additional burden on families that need to be taken into consideration. It is a deplorable move and not supportive to promote Education for All.
Teachers at every education institution and experts in this sector have already slated such decision and asked the government to take it back. We must say this is a highly damaging move at a time when the government’s vision to make the country a middle income nation by 2021 basing on expansion of education and human development will surely face setback. Education sector is already paying VAT on paper and other materials at 4 percent and the jump to 15 percent at a time not only sounds ridiculous but also a mindless act of the government which is only interested to collect more revenue – no matter what consequences it may have on the educational institutions and children’s families.
The government has promised to promote education and IT knowledge at all levels but the move will deter achieving the goals. Educationists already demanded the withdrawal of the unjustified VAT on learning materials. We are sure the additional cost of paper will also add to the cost of books from next year. Education is a basic right of people and such levy is unjustified from this background. The government has been providing textbooks free of cost to primary and secondary level students for many years and claiming it to be a big success. The success story should not be tarnished.
The government should withdraw the VAT from paper for promoting education. The country is now producing all types of papers and printing and packaging materials in about 87 factories and exporting to over 30 countries. We must say the government will have enough room for revenue collection from the industry, exempting higher VAT on papers and learning materials. We are afraid additional cost may eventually force many students to drop out. Education deserves special consideration.
Teachers at every education institution and experts in this sector have already slated such decision and asked the government to take it back. We must say this is a highly damaging move at a time when the government’s vision to make the country a middle income nation by 2021 basing on expansion of education and human development will surely face setback. Education sector is already paying VAT on paper and other materials at 4 percent and the jump to 15 percent at a time not only sounds ridiculous but also a mindless act of the government which is only interested to collect more revenue – no matter what consequences it may have on the educational institutions and children’s families.
The government has promised to promote education and IT knowledge at all levels but the move will deter achieving the goals. Educationists already demanded the withdrawal of the unjustified VAT on learning materials. We are sure the additional cost of paper will also add to the cost of books from next year. Education is a basic right of people and such levy is unjustified from this background. The government has been providing textbooks free of cost to primary and secondary level students for many years and claiming it to be a big success. The success story should not be tarnished.
The government should withdraw the VAT from paper for promoting education. The country is now producing all types of papers and printing and packaging materials in about 87 factories and exporting to over 30 countries. We must say the government will have enough room for revenue collection from the industry, exempting higher VAT on papers and learning materials. We are afraid additional cost may eventually force many students to drop out. Education deserves special consideration.
