Mayurbhanj tribals seek GST relief on Sal leaves

The imposition of Goods and Service Tax (GST) on Sal leaves has taken a toll on the livelihood of forest dwellers in Mayurbhanj district.
Image used for representational purpose
Image used for representational purpose

BARIPADA:The imposition of Goods and Service Tax (GST) on Sal leaves has taken a toll on the livelihood of forest dwellers in Mayurbhanj district. The new tax regime has affected both the buyers and sellers who now have to pay `5 as GST for Sal leaves worth `100. The profits have dwindled with the traders passing on the tax burden to the forest dwellers.  

Hirachand Mohanta of Haldipada village within Moroda police limits said he used to collect dry Sal leaves in the nearby forest and sell it to local vendors. However, after imposition of GST, collection of Sal leaves has taken a hit, he said.

“Apart from Sal leaves, we have no alternative source of income. Farming on a few hectares of land is not enough to cater to the needs of an entire family. The Government should exclude Sal leaves from the GST,” said Surendra Dehuri, a forest dweller of Badajambani in Betnoti.

Moreover, production and collection of Sal leaves in the district have also been hit due to climate change and untimely rain in the last few years. This apart, massive deforestation, timber smuggling and cutting down of small plants for use as tooth sticks by locals have also led to acute shortage of the leaves.
The forest dwellers have urged the Government to take necessary measures to reduce GST on Sal leaves which is the only source of sustenance for most of the tribals of the district. As per reports, around 10 to 15 lakh people in 12 blocks of Mayurbhanj are facing hardship due to the Government’s new tax regime.  
Traders are also incurring losses due to imposition of GST on Sal leaves. Sources said after the new tax regime came into force, there is a scarcity of products like leaf bowls, plates and other disposable items made of Sal leaves in the market.

Rajesh Kumar Agarwal, a trader from Betnoti, said the industries are suffering a loss due to GST on Sal leaves. The State Government had imposed a royalty of `60 per quintal of dry Sal leaves from April 13, 2005. Later, the Government promised to reduce the royalty but to no avail. The new tax system has put both the traders and sellers at risk, he said.

Former president of Zilla Parishad Prakash Soren said collection of Sal leaves is the only source of income for the forest dwellers in tribal-dominated Mayurbhanj district. The new tax system has affected the livelihood of the tribals, he said.

“We will soon launch a movement against GST and demand withdrawal of the new tax system on Sal leaves,” Soren said and added that in the recent past, farmers in tribal pockets of the district have also taken to the streets protesting the new tax system on Sal leaves.

Rajya Sabha member Sarojini Hembram said imposition of GST on Sal leaves is a major issue for the tribals. “I have received many complaints from forest dwellers regarding the new tax regime. I will take up the issue with the Finance Minister of the State and also in upcoming Parliament Session,” said the MP.

Related Stories

No stories found.
The New Indian Express
www.newindianexpress.com