A recent ruling by the Karnataka bench of the Authority for Advance Rulings (AAR) justifying the 18 per cent GST charged on parottas because "they are not rotis" has baffled Twitterati. On a day when the GST Coucil, chaired by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, is set to meet via video conferencing, the news of 'parottas'--the humble cousin of chappatis--attracting an 18 per cent GST, as opposed to rotis, being taxed a mere 5 per cent, was trending on Twitter.
According to a TOI report, Bengaluru-based ID Fresh Food, a company engaged in the sale of ready-to-eat food products, had sought a ruling on the GST rate applicable to whole-wheat parottas and Malabar parottas. However, in its ruling, AAR reiterated that parottas are not rotis because the latter are already prepared or completely cooked products and are ready-to-use food preparations. "On the other hand, parotas need to be heated before consumption," the report cited the AAR ruling. On this ground, the bench ruled that parottas cannot be classified under 'rotis' and will incur 18 per cent GST as opposed to 5 per cent on rotis.
Social media users, especially from Kerala where the combination "parotta and beef" has attained a staple food status, were in no mood to buy the bizarre argument. They vented out their anger on Twitter, with some even terming it "food fascism".
5% GST for Rotis and 18% GST for Porotta?!
— The Saudade Guy🌹 (@arunrajpaul) June 12, 2020
This discrimination should end right now. Say No to Food Fascism! You dont get to decide what we should eat! #HandsOffPorotta pic.twitter.com/Y59zjkdT6q
18% GST ON PAROTAS
— umang bansal (@bansal655) June 12, 2020
5% GST ON ROTI
People ask Govt :- why Such a big injustice.
Finance minister - because I don't eat parotas.#HandsOffPorotta
Roti - 5% GST
— simar ghuman (@ghumansimar98) June 12, 2020
Parota - 18%GST
No way I'm looking at butter naan that would definitely place naan at 28% GST#handsofparota pic.twitter.com/khUeR0whcL
Senior Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi also could not help but wonder about the GST ruling.
New GST ruling,
— Abhishek Singhvi (@DrAMSinghvi) June 12, 2020
Roti/Chapatti : 5% GST
Porotta : 18% GST
"Parota" is not "Roti" because unlike rotis which are ready to eat, Porotas need to be heated before consumption.
GST Authorities under the aegis of Ld. FM are working overtime to make tax regime simpler & uncomplicated.
❌ LOCKDOWN was supposed to control Corona
— Srivatsa (@srivatsayb) June 12, 2020
❌ DeMo was supposed to end Black Money
❌ GST was supposed to simplify Taxes
Parotas @ 18% GST but Rotis @ 5% exemplifies Modi's minimum governance flop show
But Bhakts will say "Modiji Ne Kiya Hai Toh Soch Samaj Kar Hi Kiya Hoga"😂