Why Paneer Butter Masala?
The new 5 % GST on packaged goods like paneer, curd etc. has been a topic of debate and discussion in the country. Among others, Paneer Butter Masala has been a trending topic of discussion on Twitter. It is mainly because of a meme that was shared on Twitter, which goes like
‘GST on Paneer – 5%, GST on Masala – 5%, GST on Butter – 12%, Calculate the total GST on Paneer Butter Masala’
Congress leader Shashi Tharoor shared the tweet with the text “I don’t know who comes up with these brilliant WhatsApp forwards but this one skewers the folly of the GST as few jokes have!”
Tharoor had earlier commented upon the Government’s decision to increase the GST. Talking to twitter, he said that the GST rate spike is irresponsible at a time when there are already existing economic problems for most the Indians. He questioned whether the government believes it can get away with anything. He strongly feels that the Aam Aadmi would suffer the burden as inflation spirals and cuts down a huge part of his/her income.
Spike From 18th July
Consumers will now have to pay more for the same amount of rice, wheat, flour and any other item that is branded and packed in a container. This is in accordance with the new Goods and Services Tax guidelines, which came into effect on 18 July.
Pre-packaged and labelled pulses, rice, wheat, flour, curd, lassi etc will now come under 5% GST when they are branded and packed in a unit container.
The decision to put GST on these items was recently taken at the 47th GST Council meeting in Chandigarh.
GST Hike Shall Contribute to Inflation
Congress commented that it was cruel of the Government to increase taxes on essential items as it shall further contribute to Inflation. Congress and other opposition parties have been protesting against this hike in GST rates and have interrupted proceedings of both houses of Parliament over the issue. They have also protested inside the Parliament complex.
Also Read : Inflation Converts Manufacturing Hub Gujarat Into Trading Zone?
