Tea industry seeks special rate under GST

News: The tea industry has sought a special tax rate under the new GST regime
Present System: Various concessions/ benefits are provided both by the Centre and the State to tea sector
These benefits are in the nature of exemption from excise duty payment and lower VAT rates on tea across all states
Challenge: The industry is facing a host of problems, ranging from ageing tea bushes to climate change
Significance: Tea industry provides direct employment to more than 1.1 million, half of whom are women. It acts a source of livelihood for poorer sections of the society