MP Arora urges govt to support bicycle industry

Rajya Sabha MP from Ludhiana, Sanjeev Arora, on Friday raised concerns about the challenges faced by the bicycle manufacturing industry across the country in the budget session of Rajya Sabha.

In his address, Arora highlighted the significance of bicycles as the most healthy, environment-friendly, and widely accessible mode of transportation. He stressed that the industry was experiencing tough times and urged the ministries concerned to address key issues.

Regarding the GST structure for bicycles and their components, Arora pointed out that the parts currently attracted 18 per cent GST, non-electric bicycles 12 per cent, and electric ones 5 per cent. He stated, “The fragmented GST structure burdens manufacturers, discourages domestic production, and creates unnecessary financial hurdles.” He advocated for a uniform GST rate of 5 per cent to promote the growth of this sustainable mode of transport. Additionally, he emphasised that bicycles designed for differently-abled individuals should be exempt from GST entirely.

Arora also demanded the renewal of the Bicycle Development Council (BDC), the renewal of which was pending since 2021.