VAT exemption proposed for autism related services

Finance Minister AHM Mustafa Kamal has proposed VAT exemption on autism related services.

He made the proposal while presenting the budget for the fiscal year 2021-22 today.

The minister also proposed for continuation of existing VAT exemption on "Meditation service" to protect mental health.

The minister in his budget speech said that in accordance with the National Strategic Plan 2016-2021, steps have been taken on Autism and Neuro-Developmental Disorders.

"Educational measures have been taken to make people aware of autism and neuro developmental disorders."

The minister said child development centers have been established in 33 hospitals through which patients with autism and neurodevelopmental disorders are being provided integrated treatment.

He said a total of 103 'Disability Services and Help Centers' have been set up in 64 districts and 39 upazilas of the country to provide therapeutic services to the challenged people in remote areas of the country.

"All these centers provide free therapeutic, counseling and referral services and assistive devices to people with autism and other disabilities in remote areas of the country. In addition, Sheikh Russell Child Training and Rehabilitation Centers are working across the country to protect all disadvantaged and endangered children. An allocation of Tk. 92.21 crore has been proposed for these two activities in the coming fiscal year 2021-2022."