Hero Cycles partners Rajastan Government to promote Clean Air, Better Health, contributes 100 cycles and propagates GST Status for Bicycles
India CSR News Network
JAIPUR: In its drive to promote healthy living and a better environemt Hero Cycles collaborated with the government of Rajastan and distributed 50 women’s and 50 men’sroadster bicycles. This was to support a rally that saw the 100 team ride from Bikaner to Jodhpur, a distance of about 250 km.
The rally was flagged off Arjun Meghwal, Minister of State for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Government of India.
In his address to the gathering, Arjun Meghwal said, “It is commendable that so many people have undertaken this historic ride to prove to the state of Rajasthan and the country that the bicycle is truly the best form of transport. It is the cleanest-energy vehicle that helps reduce our per capita energy consumption and vehicular emissions. In a country that is witnessing an economic transformation cycles plays an integral part to the assist millions in contributing to the overall productivity of one of the largest work forces in the world. We are grateful for ‘Hero Cycles’ participation and their involvement in advocating for cleaner air and better health. We will definitely look into their request for putting the lowest GST slab of 5% on basic bicycles, to ensure maximum people empowered to buy a bicycle.
Today the country faces a huge issue of sustainability and employment, in addition to added disease burden of India and compounded with declining urban penetration of cycles due to unsupportive cycling infrastructure and stagnating rural demand due to the rising prices has had a major slowing down impact. The bicycle industry has been working relentlessly to promote usage of cycles as an eco-friendly, convenient transportation system and also ensuring mobility to millions of poorest poor thereby allowing them a means to livelihood and a better life.
“We are delighted that the government has shown through this rally its commitment to the value of sustainable, active transport. Bicycles rid the environment of particulate pollution and aid in decongestion of our cities. Riding a bicycle brings down carbon footprints dramatically and can offer savings worth several lakh crores per annum by saving on fuel, improving health and incrasing productivity. We urge the government to put in place the lowest GST of 5% on bicycles, to bring down cost and encourage more and more people to take to their use. This will not only increase demand, but also improve tax collection,” said Pankaj Munjal, CMD, Hero Cycles.
India’s bicycle ownership stands at 11 crores, with majority of these being used by people in the lower income groups for commuting. In addition, the entire industry employs a 1 million workforce. The industry, with Hero Cycles is actively taking the lead and is determined to make the humble bicycle a tool for creating a cleaner environment, productive and healthy work force and empower the girl child to be independent and self reliant.
