Hyderabad, Sept 02, 2025 – “Remove GST on After-School Skill Development Programs,” urged Mr. Dinesh Victor, Managing Director of SIP Academy and a recognised authority on skill development in children in India.
He was addressing 570 young artists and their parents at Kolor Champ 2025—the city’s largest regional-level art competition—organised by Global Art Academy at SR Classic Convention, Shamshabad. Mr. Dinesh Victor was the Guest of Honour at the event.
Speaking to the media alongside Mrs. Shailaja Reddy, noted educationist and Principal of Meridian School, Uppal, he said: “Why should parents pay 18% GST on after-school programs like Abacus, Art, Dance, Music, Yoga, and Languages? These are not ‘extras’—they are essential skills for the future. When GST was introduced in 2017, school and college education were kept tax-free. The same logic should apply here.”
Mr. Dinesh further argued that after-school learning today is as crucial as formal education was in the 1950s. Taxing it, he said, only burdens middle- and low-income families, depriving many children of vital life skills.
“Investing in children’s skills is investing in India’s future. GST should be 0%—or at least significantly reduced—to make these opportunities affordable for every parent.”