![Fishermen seek waiver of GST bill on diesel subsidy](https://www.thehindu.com/static/theme/default/base/img/og-image.jpg)
Fishermen seek waiver of GST bill on diesel subsidy
The Hindu
To get a GST bill, they have to pay an additional ₹7,000
CHENNAIFishermen have urged the State government to provide diesel subsidy to new boats without insisting upon GST bills for engines and boats.
“Fishermen, who purchase catamarans, have to additionally shell out ₹7,000 and those buying larger fishing boats have to pay ₹20,000 if they pay GST. At a time when fish catch is down, it is unfair to insist upon GST bills,” said Varadan, a community leader.
Diesel prices were high and many owners had not sent their boats on voyages. “In such a situation, denying diesel subsidy is unfair. Even if one boat gets a GST bill, the owner has to wait for some more time since Fisheries Department officials say that verification can be done only if there are a certain number of boats. Ultimately, it is the fishermen, who stand to lose,” said Nanjil Ravi of Akhila India Meenavar Sangam.