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Even Lord Ganesha hit by Goods and Services Tax
Goods and Services Tax (GST) did not spare even the Lord Ganesha as the cost of raw materials for making idols rose by 25 per cent under the GST. As a result, Ganesh idol makers are facing a tough time to earn even for their livelihood. In the wake of Vinayaka Chavithi on August 25 they are expecting good earning but due to increase in cost of raw material, they reduced their idols in number half
Srikakulam: Goods and Services Tax (GST) did not spare even the Lord Ganesha as the cost of raw materials for making idols rose by 25 per cent under the GST. As a result, Ganesh idol makers are facing a tough time to earn even for their livelihood. In the wake of Vinayaka Chavithi on August 25 they are expecting good earning but due to increase in cost of raw material, they reduced their idols in number half as against last year.
In the district, artists and painters from Rajasthan, Odisha, Bihar and West Bengal are making idols with locals help at Ranastalam, Kosta, Pydibhimavaram, Chilakapalem, Gopinagaram, Narasannapeta, adjacent to National Highway (NH-16) and other areas every year.
Under the GST, Plaster of Paris (PoP), paints, wires and iron rods are being increased up to 25 per cent as against last year prices. For example, last year PoP per bag costs Rs 200 but this year it is increased to Rs 250.
Cost of various colours are also increased as result artists are unable to purchase them by paying the amount. Due to an increase in the prices of raw material, the cost of idols were also enhanced. Last year, a six feet high idol cost was Rs 15,000 but this year, the same idol cost is Rs 22,000. In the back drop of increase in the price for idols, the devotees are not interested to purchase it and demand also reduced considerably.
“With the effect of GST, cost of raw material for idols increased and making of idols is not profitable now,” explained artists K Raju and Sambilin at Chilakapalem junction. “We are making and selling idols every year and it is purely a seasonal business but this year, conditions are not favourable”, Mohan Selenk, Nimbu and Prakash artists at Ranastalam narrated with worried faces.
