No GST on Gangajal; CBIC dispels tax claims

No GST on Gangajal: The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) clarified on Thursday that Gangajal, considered sacred and used in Hindu religious rituals, is exempt from the Goods and Services Tax (GST), countering claims made by the Congress party suggesting an 18 per cent tax had been imposed on it.

In response to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge's statement earlier in the day, the CBIC reaffirmed that 'puja samagri,' which includes Gangajal, has been exempt from GST since the introduction of the tax. The exemption was discussed and confirmed in the 14th and 15th meetings of the GST Council held on May 18-19, 2017, and June 3, 2017, respectively.

Criticism by opposition

Kharge had criticised the government, alleging that an 18 per cent GST had been imposed on Gangajal, labelling it as exploitative and hypocritical. He underlined the importance of considering the burden on individuals who use Gangajal for rituals and have it in their homes.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, currently on a visit to Uttarakhand, was indirectly addressed by Kharge regarding this matter, urging consideration for the citizens impacted by the alleged tax on the holy Ganga water.

(With PTI inputs)