Akshay Verma, Co-founder of FITPASS said “We’re thankful that our letters and representations have found resonance with the Government. For a sector not even formally designated as an industry, being heard at this level is historic — and we welcome the decisive move by the Hon’ble Prime Minister, the Finance Minister and the GST Council to rationalise GST on fitness and physical well-being to 5%. This underscores the simple truth that the Govt recognises fitness as an essential services, a pillar of preventive health, not a luxury.
This lower rate will make memberships, yoga and coaching more affordable and accessible, especially for women and youth in Tier-2/3 India. With 8,000+ partner gyms in 130+ cities and 6 million members, FITPASS will pass this benefit through and take guided activity to millions.
To serve the nation and in our submissions, we sought a framework that puts prevention on a par with healthcare — either a 5% rate with input credit retained or complete exemption for structured fitness. The Council’s move to 5% (without ITC) is a strong interim outcome – but it is not a complete solution for large scale impact for our country’s young demographic dividend.
Over the years, we’ve worked consistently with government and citizens to put prevention at the centre of policy — from the 2018 reduction of GST from 28% to 18% to IRDAI’s 2020 inclusion of fitness services in insurance products. We’re grateful that this sustained advocacy has found resonance in today’s decision.
We’ve come a long way. There is more to do.
From here, we will work with the Government to evolve national policy and create fitness access at scale — aligning intent with action.
A thoughtful reclassification that places structured fitness — gyms, yoga, coaching, nutrition counselling — within Heading 9993 (Human Health & Social Care Services), alongside AYUSH, naturopathy and rehabilitation, would give fitness parity with preventive healthcare and keep affordability durable across Bharat — turning today’s milestone into its natural progression: parity under 9993 for healthier citizens, stronger productivity, and steady momentum towards Viksit Bharat 2047.”
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