Saffron tinge: No tax on trishul, ghanta, kamandal

BHOPAL: In a move apparently symbolizing appeasement of majority community, BJP government in the Madhya Pradesh has exempted trishul (trident), ghanta (temple bells) and kamandal (a vessel used by ascetics or yogis), among others, from tax.
While doing so, government was silent on the issue of relief to middle-class in terms of reducing surcharge on petroleum products.
After presenting his maiden budget finance minister Jayant Malaiya said, "Petrol is not the only thing, have patience.. Centre will be presenting its budget and then we will act."
Government has also exempted jhanjh-manjira (cymbal), ghunghroo and idols of god and goddess from tax. The exemption will not be applicable on idols made of gold, silver and other precious metals, the minister said.
Finance minister said government would incur a loss of Rs 1 crore in the financial year by exempting these items from tax.
He said that in the past as well the government had exempted several items like kripan (used by Sikhs) janeoo (sacred thread), prasad, bhog, mahabhog, camphor and gau mutra (cow urine) products among others.
Interestingly, this year, the cover page of all the budget documents including booklet of budget speech of finance minister was in saffron colour.
Later, when asked which business organisation like Confederation of Indian Industries or MP Chambers of Commerce and Industries among others recommended exempting these items from tax during the pre- budget exercise of the government, the finance minister replied, "We had agreed to many suggestions they put forth during our meetings."
However, finance secretary Manish Rastogi sitting next to him in media briefing said, "We had as many as eight meetings in Bhopal and Indore with different organizations and have tried to accommodate their recommendations".
When asked to explain how the budget has provided relief to the aam aadmi or the steps initiated in budget to reduce inflation, finance minister said, "relief is provided to all the segments of the society. VAT has been reduced from 13 % to 5 % on many items CST has been reduced from 2% to 1 %. Besides, heavy goods carriers have also been exempted from entry tax up to March next year."