IIW Seeks for Waiver of GST on Basic Skill Development Courses

/ -- The Indian Institute of Welding (IIW) has expressed remorse at non-grant of any relief on18% Goods and Services Tax (GST) by the GST Council, currently being applicable even on short duration basic welding courses. IIW understands that, few industries have approached the GST council for completely exempting all spends from Corporate CSR funds for Vocational Training and Education by Not for Profit entities such as the Indian Institute of Welding.

G.A Soman - Past Chairman, IIW Mumbai and Principal Don Bosco Training Academy, Mumbai explained, "Basic welding courses cost about Rs.45,000/- per student for a 6 week classroom study and shop floor training. These fees include the cost of all study material and welding equipment and consumables used during training. Since these are daylong courses boarding is included on no cost basis to all participants. Those requiring accommodation are put up at the facility for the full 6 week duration of the course - gratis. The training provider imparts basic welding vocational training to youth who find themselves under-qualified and unskilled and therefore unemployable. They are mainly from the economically deprived sections of the society who are trained to recreate themselves and become employable on successful completion of a 6 week stint in the training centre. IIW along with its training partners across the country trains and certifies more than 15000 youth and ensures that they are gainfully employed in MSME's in Industrial Hubs across the country. Students those who pay for themselves or by sponsors find 18% GST on training fees back breaking leading to postponement or cancellation of vocational training."
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