There is no GST on funerals: FM Sitharaman
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New Delhi, Aug 3: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday told the Lok Sabha that there is no GST on the funeral, cremation, burial, or mortuary services. The opposition has alleged that the price hike has led to the people's anger.
Clarifying her stand during the monsoon session of the Parliament, FM Sitharaman assured the Lok Sabha that the above services are fully exempt from GST. the raw material needed for the construction of a new crematorium and the equipment needed there is taxed, otherwise, people manufacturing the raw material will suffer losses, she said.
However, the FM said that only the raw materials and equipment needed to build a new crematorium are taxed, without which the people associated with the businesses will incur losses. From July 18, the prices of several essential commodities and services increased. The decision was taken at the 47th GST meeting chaired by FM Nirmala Sitharaman that GST rates will increase on some household products and services from July 18, 2022.
Prices of agricultural commodities including pre-packaged labels like cheese, lassi, buttermilk, packaged curd, wheat flour, other grains, honey, papad, cereals, meat, and fish (excluding freezing), mudi, and jaggery are set to go up from July 18. Taxes on these products have been increased. Currently, 5 percent GST is levied on branded and packaged food items. Products without packs and unlabeled are tax-free.