Panel: Update air quality norms, cut purifier GST, ensure power plant compliance

• Parliamentary panel urged the Centre to update India's National Ambient Air Quality Standards, last revised in 2009, at the earliest.
• Panel recommended upgrading Delhi-NCR's manual air quality monitoring stations to continuous systems and re-evaluating new station placements due to skewed distribution.
• Concern was raised over high GST on air purifiers; the panel recommended abolishing or reducing it, stating citizens shouldn't be penalized for self-protection.
• Targeted programs were called for to protect vulnerable workers (e.g., delivery riders) from air pollution, including free N95 masks and health check-ups.
• The panel recommended installing air purifiers in all public schools, hospitals, and government offices, and urged compliance for thermal power plants on SO2 norms.

Why It Matters: Panel urges urgent air quality reforms affecting public health and daily life.