By TIOL News Service

NEW DELHI, AUGUST 11, 2017: WHILE answering questions relating to GST in the Rajya sabha today, Minister of State (Finance), Mr. Santosh Kumar Gangwar, said that there is no GST on services to conduct any religious ceremony, renting of precincts of religious place meant for general public or by an entity registered as charitable or religious trust under Income Tax Act, 1961 (except in some cases of renting of rooms, community halls, kalyanmandapam or open area, shops or other places for business or commerce).

Although the Govt has received representation from the All India Plastic Moulded Furniture Manufacturers Association (AIPMFMA) to reduce GST from 28% to 18% on plastic mouded furniture, the Minister said that even 28% is less than what used be levied during pre-GST period. He also said that GST on Solar photo voltaic cells, solar panels and solar power generating systems is only 5%.

The Minister furthe stated that the GST rate on minor forest produce like fresh flowers and fruits, Mahua and Sal seeds (for sowing), lac, natural honey (other than put up in unit container and bearing a brand name), fresh tamarind is Nil, while certain other fresh produce attract 5% GST.