GST Council Imposes 18% GST on Private School Affiliation Fees

The GST Council's recent decision to impose an 18% Goods and Services Tax (GST) on affiliation fees paid by private schools to various boards has stirred debate. This move is seen as an effort to bring uniformity in taxation across sectors, but it has raised concerns among private schools, which fear the additional financial burden may eventually be passed on to students and parents. The GST will apply to the fees that private schools pay to state, national, or international boards for affiliation purposes. Critics argue that education, especially at the school level, should be exempt from heavy taxes to ensure accessibility for all socioeconomic groups. However, the government maintains that this taxation will create a more structured approach to private education and its financial operations. Private school associations are likely to appeal against this decision, given its potential impact on education costs.