-The Telegraph New Delhi: The goods and services tax (GST) regime has replaced a cascade of 11 central and state taxes with a concertina of eight tax rates, defeating the original idea of having a three-slab tax structure. The current GST structure on goods ranges from zero to around 40 per cent. If jute, silk and muri (puffed rice) fall in the exempted category, luxury cars and SUVs fall in the top...
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5% GST on hulled grain may hit millets hard -Sharath S Srivatsa
-The Hindu Millet traders plan to approach Finance Ministry for relief; tax rate will not only affect consumers, but also farmers Bengaluru (Karnataka): The 5% tax on hulled grain, under the Goods and Service Tax (GST) to be rolled out from July 1, is going to be a dampener for many. For the first time, millet rice is coming into the tax bracket, and this will make it dearer for consumers. Known for...
More »GST rate: Fertilizers to come under 12% tax slab, prices likely to rise -Sayantan Bera
-Livemint.com The GST Council has fixed a 12% GST rate on fertilizers, up from the current 4-8% rates, depending on raw materials used and in which states the products are sold New Delhi: India’s landmark tax reform, the goods and services tax (GST), may not be good news for farmers. Retail prices of commonly used fertilizers and micronutrients are likely to increase, not only raising the cost of cultivation but also leading...
More »Colouring books taxed, 'not porn'
-The Telegraph New Delhi: An umbrella organisation of publishers of educational books has pointed out that a 12 per cent tax has been levied on children's colouring books whereas "semi-pornography" books have been exempt under the goods and services tax, drawing attention to the perceived contradictions in the new levy regime. "Semi-porn for free, but pay for colouring books," the Federation of Educational Publishers in India (FEPI) has titled its short media...
More »Why India needs another statistical revolution -Pramit Bhattacharya
-Livemint.com The Indian statistical system is failing to fulfil the needs of 21st century policymaking The Indian state has often been a source of bewilderment to observers and analysts, and a source of frustration for its citizens who marvel at the state’s ability to perform complex tasks—such as running a successful space mission—while failing to perform many basic tasks such as ensuring the survival of newborns. Perhaps no other organ of the...
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