Manufacturers demand govt. to lower GST rates

Due to some initial increase in demand during the ICC World Cup, TV panel sales have again witnessed a decline and manufacturers are now asking the Government to lower GST and exempt the import duty on open cell television panels to boost sales.

Manufacturers are attributing the fall in demand to overall low consumer sentiments, as sales of other home appliances like washing machines and refrigerators have also witnessed flat growth in July. According to the Consumer Electronics and Appliances Manufacturers Association (CEAMA) President Kamal Nandi, the overall industry “was flat in July with no growth in demand.”

“Before this industry goes into a negative spiral, you should really add some fuel into it,” Sharma said adding “we really expect the Government to consider a low rate of GST for appliances and revert the duty on an open cell to zero.” The panel makers further said the exit of India from ICC World Cup also led to a decline in panel sales. “TV has witnessed degrowth after many struggling quarters because If you look at last calendar year, TV industry was almost flat on volume and witnessed negative growth in value terms,” Panasonic India President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Manish

Sharma said. He further said: “Consumer sentiment continues to be low and in this category, they do not feel the necessity to buy. They are not investing, therefore, they (industry) are under tremendous pressure.”

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