The Union of Schools, Agricultural and Allied Workers has condemned the imposition of General Consumption Tax (GCT) on computers, computer parts and accessories, reading materials, some basic foodstuff and other items that are essential for the working poor, which was announced in the Government's recent Budget presentation.

"We are of the opinion that the Government could never be serious about the delivery of quality education to the populace in the face of such a decision," the organisation said in a release to the press Monday.

Hiking rates

The group said the Government's decision would further marginalise the poor and entrench the position of persons in lower socio-economic strata by hiking rates on books and computers.

"This measure can only contribute to the level of hopelessness that pervades the conditions of the working poor, and may well contribute to national unrest," the statement continued.

The union is urging the Government to roll back the planned tax on computers and books "for the good of our nation's poor and the stability of our social space".