KOCHI: Fish-eaters in the state will have to shell out more with fisherfolks getting ready for an increase in the price saying the inputs costs for undertaking fishing have gone up following the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST). The experience in fisheries sector is contrary to claims that the state is going to gain maximum for its status as a consumer state.
According to Charles George, president of the Kerala Matsyathozhilali Aikyavedi, the cost of all fishing implements will move up due to the hike in GST rates or being brought under the GST. Under the circumstances, fish workers, will have no option other than to increase the price of fish. He said the union government should provide concessions to the fishing sector under the GST. The tax rate of outboard engines used by fisher folks has moved up to 28 percent from 14 percent while ice boxed moved up to 18 percent from 14.5 percent.
Fishing nets, hooks and ropes have been brought to 12 percent GST from nil tax prior to the implementation of the new tax regime. The price of fishing nets with large holes rose to Rs 442 from Rs 395 while those of smaller holes went up to Rs 851 from Rs 760. The increase in the input cost of the fishing sector also exposes the claims of the union government that GST will not have an impact on agriculture sector in the country. Fishing comes under the agriculture sector. The burden of GST has hit the fish workers at time when the sector is going through a crisis with the sharp decline in the fish availability.
