The Congress party has accused the Narendra Modi government of imposing an 18% Goods and Services Tax (GST) on the water from the sacred Ganga river, describing it as the pinnacle of “loot and hypocrisy.” The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has refuted the claim, clarifying that no such tax has been imposed on Gangajal, which is often used in religious rituals and ceremonies.
As Prime Minister Narendra Modi undertook a day-long visit to Uttarakhand, the Congress raised questions about when he plans to visit the violence-affected state of Manipur.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge emphasized the deep spiritual significance of the Ganga river in Indian culture, stating, “Modi ji, the importance of Mother Ganga, the provider of salvation, is very high for a common Indian from birth till the end of their life. It is good that you are in Uttarakhand today, but your government has imposed 18% GST on the holy Ganga water itself.”
Kharge also expressed concerns about the burden this might place on those who use Ganga water in their homes, characterizing it as the “height of loot and hypocrisy” by the government.
In response to the Congress’s allegations, the CBIC issued a clarification, stating that GST is not applicable to Gangajal. The CBIC further explained that items used in religious rituals, including puja samagri, are exempt from GST, a designation that has been in place since the introduction of the tax.
The CBIC underscored that the exemption of GST on ‘puja samagri’ had been extensively discussed in the 14th and 15th meetings of the GST Council held on May 18-19, 2017, and June 3, 2017, respectively, and the decision to maintain the exemption was made during those discussions.
This exchange between the Congress and the CBIC highlights the importance of clarity and accurate information in matters relating to taxation and religious practices, particularly concerning sacred elements like Gangajal in India.
Sources By Agencies
