CBIC Clarifies: No GST Imposed on Gangajal, Upholding Religious Exemption
CBIC Sets the Record Straight: Gangajal Remains GST-Exempt Religious Item
12-10-2023 : The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has clarified that there is no Goods and Services Tax (GST) on Gangajal, dispelling recent claims by the Congress party that the government has imposed an 18 percent tax on this sacred water. Gangajal, revered for its use in religious rituals and household pujas across the country, falls under the category of ‘puja samagri,’ which has been exempt from GST since the inception of the tax regime.
The CBIC further explained that the matter of GST on puja samagri was extensively discussed during the 14th and 15th meetings of the GST Council in May and June 2017. Subsequently, it was decided to maintain these items on the exempt list, ensuring that they remain free from GST obligations.
Clarification regarding certain media reports on applicability of GST on Gangajal. pic.twitter.com/t598ahN07x
— CBIC (@cbic_india) October 12, 2023
Earlier in the day, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge criticized the government, alleging that an 18 percent GST had been imposed on Gangajal. He described this taxation as the “height of loot and hypocrisy.” In a message directed at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was visiting Uttarakhand, Kharge questioned the government’s decision to tax the holy Ganga water. He emphasized the potential burden on individuals who use Gangajal for religious and domestic purposes.
Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Uttarakhand coincided with this debate, highlighting the significance of the issue.
