Mumbai: Would you pay GST to use stinking railway station toilets?

It's well-known that the toilets at railway stations are dirty and stink. Now, a component of GST is also being charged from people who use pay-and-use toilets at stations

BJP leader Ashish Shelar and Irfan Ahmed, Passenger Amenities Committee member (in yellow jacket) inspected Bandra railway station on Wednesday. Pic/Sneha Kharabe

It's well-known that the toilets at railway stations are dirty and stink. Now, a component of GST is also being charged from people who use pay-and-use toilets at stations. Yesterday however, the Passenger Amenities Committee (PAC) appointed by the Ministry of Railways, said that they will ask the Indian Railways to remove GST from the charge for using toilets.

The Railways decided to start giving toilets on pay-and-use basis to contractors, wherein he would maintain them, so that they are kept clean. On March 14 mid-day had reported about a proposal to have few free of charge toilets at railway stations, 'Only one of four toilet blocks on Western Railway stations to be free for public use'.

On Wednesday, PAC member Irfan Ahmad and BJP leader Ashish Shelar inspected Bandra station. This is when it came to light that the Railways have asked the contractors to pay GST along with the entire contract amount. It is not applicable on urinals, but one pays R5 to use a toilet, on which GST is applicable.

"Now, GST of 18 percent is applicable on pay-and-use toilets at railway stations. We have been opposing the concept of pay-and-use as people are paying money for their rail tickets. At least for now we will inform Minister for Railways Suresh Prabhu to do away with GST," said Irfan Ahmad, a PAC member.

Rs 1k
The amount required to maintain a toilet every month

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!