<h1>National bar association seeks exemption from 18% GST on group insurance premiums to protect affordable member welfare</h1> A national bar association has petitioned the Union finance minister for exemption from Goods and Services Tax on group insurance premiums for its members, arguing the 18% GST under current law raises costs and undermines a non-profit risk-pooling scheme intended to provide affordable health and accident coverage. The association contends the tax penalizes collective welfare efforts, deters participation by financially constrained advocates, and requests the exemption be extended to group schemes run by court-annexed bar associations to reduce members' financial strain and strengthen access to welfare benefits.