Students Across India Thank PM Modi for Removing GST on Hostel and PG Accommodation
New Delhi, June 23: Students from all over India have expressed their gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the Union Cabinet’s decision to remove Goods and Services Tax (GST) on paying guest (PG) and hostel accommodation. The GST Council exempted these services from GST on June 22.
Accommodation services valued up to Rs 20,000 per person per month, provided for at least 90 days, will now be exempt from GST. This decision is expected to make higher education more affordable and accessible for many students across the country.
Student Reactions
Chitra, an MSc Horticulture student from Haryana studying at Lovely Professional University, said, “The GST on PG rentals was a significant added expense, and now we can redirect those funds towards our education and living costs. I am grateful to PM Modi for prioritizing the needs of students.”
Anshul Rana, an engineering student from Himachal Pradesh, also at Lovely Professional University, called the move a “testament” to the government’s commitment to academic growth. He said, “The elimination of GST on PG accommodations is a gamechanger. It will make higher education more accessible, especially for students from middle-class and underprivileged backgrounds.”
Manoj, a Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) aspirant from Pune, welcomed the decision, saying, “I accept that this is a good decision taken by the government. I welcome it.”
A student from Punjab’s Mohali said, “Both parents and students look forward to something affordable. The government of India has taken this step and it’s helpful.” Another student from Mohali called it a “good decision” and said, “It will benefit students and the parents. Students can save their money for higher education.”
Students from Rajasthan’s Kota also praised the decision. One student said, “It is beneficial to the students and their parents because while coming here, we are worried about our parents. Though GST is a small amount, that amount of reduction in expense is also a huge support. This is a very good step.” Another student added, “Those students who could not afford to come to Kota can now do it because the hostel expenses will decrease. This is a very good step from the government.”
Professors and Officials’ Views
University professors also lauded the government’s decision. They said that by eliminating the GST burden on PG housing, the government has shown a strong commitment to empowering the youth and investing in India’s future. They believe this policy change will enable more students to pursue higher education without the added financial burden of GST on their living expenses.
Ashok Kumar Mittal, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) and Chancellor of Lovely Professional University, said, “We deeply appreciate Prime Minister Modi’s decisive action in removing the GST from PG accommodations. This move will ease the financial strain on students and their families, allowing them to focus on their studies and unlock their full potential. It is a true win for the academic community in India.”
Satnam Singh Sandhu, Chancellor of Chandigarh University and Rajya Sabha member, called it a “very big historic decision” and said, “In its third tenure, the Modi government has given a very big gift to the students of the country. So a large number of students used to live in PG or hostels away from the campus the burden of 12 per cent GST has been removed. This is a very big relief news for the students as well as for their parents.”
According to officials, before this change, PG owners had to navigate complex legal requirements and engage financial advisors to properly file GST returns, with the associated costs being passed on to the students. Sukhpreet Singh, a PG owner in Phagwara, said, “The GST on PG rentals was a significant added expense for us, both in terms of the tax itself and the administrative burden. Now, this burden has been lifted, and we can provide more affordable accommodation to students.”
