In a push for transparency and improved categorization of mental health services within the Goods and Services Tax (GST) framework, Anvi Kumar, founder of The Mind Canvas and student at The Shriram School Aravali in Gurgaon, has filed litigation urging the government to clarify its stance on the GST imposed on mental health services.

The institute’s response also implied inconsistency by stating, “GST is generally not applicable to Mental Health Services,” conflicting with the concerns about the current 18% tax on specific mental health services. This contradiction has sparked debate over the clarity and coherence of mental health taxation policies.

The filing further highlights a gap in evidence or stakeholder input justifying the GST imposition, pointing to the absence of studies or consultations to assess how the tax might affect the accessibility or affordability of essential mental health services. Without adequate research and feedback, stakeholders worry about the financial barrier this tax may create for those seeking mental health support.

The Mind Canvas, a mental health platform, has pioneered several initiatives to address mental health challenges. Among them are outreach programs in government schools, resilience-building conferences with notable speakers, and a tri-series comic aimed at fostering early awareness of mental health issues among children.

Through this Public Interest Litigation (PIL), Kumar and The Mind Canvas aim to urge the government to adopt clearer policies that acknowledge mental health as an integral part of healthcare and ensure its affordability. By pressing for an appropriate GST classification, they hope to set a precedent that prioritizes mental health in India’s healthcare framework, promoting equitable access to these vital services.