New Delhi: After the 47th GST Council meeting, it was announced that the GST applicable on construction contracts of roads, bridges, railways, metro, effluent treatment plants, crematoria, etc. have been increased from 12 per cent to 18 per cent. But, some news portals and opposition leaders showed the announcement in their own way and claimed that 18 per cent GST has been levied on cremation services. Dr Dhimant Purohit, Editor, ewzviewz.com, tweeted, "18% GST on crematorium services.''
Congress national media coordinator Shailendra Chaudhary asked people what they think about GST on crematoria services. He tweeted, "What would you call the 18 per cent GST on the crematorium? Opportunity in disaster, ruthless government or both?'' At the same time, Rashid Kappan, a journalist with the well-known newspaper Deccan Herald, also spread lies on the issue, he wrote, '18% GST at cremation places. As if people are dying to pay taxes!'
At the same time, Srinivas K Reddy, editor of Telangana Today, quoted Ground Zero India and wrote, "In the hospitals here, the patient who survives pays a hefty GST for beds. At the same time, the patient who dies has to pay heavy GST for the cremation places. In any case, everyone is burdened by the Modi government. Interestingly, Srinivas Reddy also shared a screenshot of NDTV's report, which clearly wrote a 'work contract for cremation ground.' At the same time, former Congress MLA from Chittapur, Priyank Kharge wrote, "The BJP government will not even let you die peacefully. 18% GST at cremation places. Neither... Nor won't let you die.''
At the same time, the central government on Wednesday (July 20, 2022) clarified that the report claiming to announce an 18 per cent GST on cremation services is fake. The fact-checking site of the Press Information Bureau (PIB) has informed that the claim of levying 18 per cent GST on cremation services is misleading. The PIB said that GST has not been imposed on funeral, burial, cremation or mortuary services. GST is applicable only on contracts for works related to crematoria. This means that GST will be levied on services related to the construction and maintenance of the crematorium.
According to Section 7(4) of Schedule III of the GST Act 2017, the services of cremation, burial, cremation or mortuary, including transportation of the deceased, have been excluded from GST. Earlier, only 12 per cent GST was levied on the work contract of the cremation ghat, which was not allowed to be done by the non-NDA/NDA during the 47th GST Council meeting. It has been increased to 18 per cent with the consent of the representatives of all the states, including the BJP-ruled states.
JP Nadda sets up key appointments in BJP state units
Diggi accuses Doval, Narottam Mishra said- 'Why don't you question Zakir'
Akhilesh Yadav remembered Shri Krishna, targeted BJP over milk-curd