NCP's Praful Patel Advocates Lower GST for Bidi Industry

By A Staff Reporter

Delhi | Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Praful Patel has called for a reduction in the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on bidis, emphasizing the industry's significant role in providing employment to over 2.5 crore people across India. Patel's appeal underscores the bidi sector's importance in supporting rural economies, particularly benefiting women and tribal communities involved in tendu leaf collection and tobacco farming.

"More than 1 crore people are directly associated with the bidi industry," Patel stated, highlighting the extensive workforce engaged in bidi production. He further noted that when including "tribal brothers and sisters who are associated with the collection of tendu leaves, tobacco farmers," the number rises to approximately 2.5 crore individuals.

Patel argued that increasing the GST on bidis would adversely affect these workers, many of whom reside in remote villages with limited alternative employment opportunities. He advocated for a reduction in GST for the bidi industry, stating, "Its GST should not be increased but should be reduced, especially for bidi because no one else can provide such big alternative employment, that too in villages, that too to women, that too in different remote areas."

The bidi industry has long been a subject of debate in India, balancing economic and employment considerations against public health concerns. Patel's family has historical ties to the industry, with the CeeJay Group, founded by his father, being one of India's largest bidi manufacturers.