• Source:JND
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The Central Board Of Indirect Taxes (CBIC) on Thursday issued a clarification stating that Gangajal (water from the holy Ganga river) does not attract any GST (Goods and Services Tax). It mentioned that since Gangajal is a 'puja samagri' (prayer item), it comes under the exempted category.

The clarification comes after the Congress on Thursday accused the Narendra Modi-led BJP government of imposing an 18 per cent GST on the water of the holy Ganga river, calling it the height of ‘loot and hypocrisy’.

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Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge wrote, “Mr. Modi, the importance of Mother Ganga, the provider of salvation for a common Indian, from birth till the end of his life is very high. It is good that you are in Uttarakhand today, but your government has imposed 18% GST on the holy Ganga water itself.”

“Not even once did I think what would be the burden on those who order Ganga water in their homes. This is the height of plunder and hypocrisy of your government,” he further added.

However, the CBIC refuted his claim and asserted that there was no GST on Gangajal.

“Gangajal is used in Pooja by households across the country and puja samagri is exempt under GST. GST on puja samagri was discussed in detail in the 14th and 15th meetings of the GST Council held on 18/19 May 2017 and 3rd Jun 2017 respectively and decided to keep them in the exempt list. Therefore, all these items have been exempt since the introduction of GST,” the CBIC said in a post on X.
The CBIC mentioned that GST on 'puja samagri' was discussed in detail at the GST Council's 14th and 15th meetings, held on May 18-19, 2017 and June 3, 2017, respectively, and it was resolved to keep them on the exempt list.

Not only Gangajal, but water that is not aerated, mineralized, distilled, medicinal, ionic, battery, demineralized, or sold in a sealed container is also exempt from GST.