‘Abolish GST on branded grains, pulses’

“WITHDRAW immediately 5 per cent GST on branded grains and pulses,” demanded Pratap Motwani, Secretary of The Nagpur Wholesale Grains and Seeds Merchants Association and Vice-President of Federation of Trade Associations of Maharashtra. In a tweet to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Motwani said, common people are getting extra burden of tax.

People are essential items like branded foodgrains and pulses costlier due to the imposition of Goods and Services Tax (GST). “One kg of tur dal which cost Rs 85, if it is packed and registered it price goes to Rs 89.50 after 5 per cent of GST,” Motwani said. He also said that GST of 5 per cent is also added on other pulses used by the majority of people like roosted channa (Daliya) etc. which is additional burden on consumers. Daliya is also used by majority of the people, extra GST of 5 per cent makes it expensive by Rs 4.5. “Since independence it is for the first time that grains and pulses are taxed heavily after the acceptance of the new regime of GST.

At least branded food items should be excempted from tax. Packed and registered items have gained consumers trust and faith, and if they comes without packing, there is a big chance of adulteration. In such circumstance both consumer and the supplier will be at loss,” he pointed out. He also informed that a delegation of All India Dall Mill Association recently met BJP National Working President J P Nadda, in New Delhi and discussed the issue with him. Nadda had assured to take up the matter with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.