For confused GST taxpayers looking for some certainty, going solely by what the FAQ or Twitter replies of the Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC) provides may not be of much help. One would do well to look for a circular to get the legal certainty. Sample this from a FAQ/Twitter reply:

“While FAQ treats SAREE as a FABRIC for GST purposes, the same FAQ considers a DHOTI as an APPAREL for GST purposes.” What is the difference you may ask? It is in the rates! Going by this, a saree would attract GST of 5 per cent irrespective of the value, while the rate in dhoti could go as high as 12 per cent, if the value of each Dhoti is above ₹1,000. Dhotis below ₹1,000 would attract 5 per cent GST, according to an industry observer.

Government English

“The government has received representations from various Associations in the Gems and Jewellery sector with respect to certain incongruities in Notification No. 4/2017 dated August 23, 2017, wherein dealers in precious metals, precious stones and other high value goods were notified as person carrying on designated business and professions under the Prevention of Money-Laundering Act, 2002. After considering various aspects of the issue, the Government has decided to rescind the said notification,” read a late evening release by the Finance Ministry.

In simple terms the government has withdrawn a notification that brought dealers in precious metals under the Prevention of Money-Laundering Act, 2002. With this, Aadhaar will cease to be mandatory for jewellery transactions exceeding ₹50,000. Other identity proof need not be furnished. Are you wondering why the same can’t be written in simple English?

Hold on, read the final line of the crisp statement: “A separate notification after due consideration of points raised and wider stakeholder consultation in this regard, shall be issued in due course.”

Propaganda or speech?

During an address at a CII meeting on the sidelines of the 14th India-EU Summit, MoS for External Affairs MJ Akbar spoke for almost 30 minutes. He waxed eloquent on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the schemes introduced by the government.

At the end of his speech, the minister spoke a couple of lines on India-EU ties. For a second the audience thought Akbar had got his speech all mixed up. After him it was the turn of President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker to deliver the special address. Known for his wit, he thanked the panelists and said he was leaving because he should have been at another meeting. This was an obvious reference to the time taken by Akbar. Juncker thanked Akbar for his speech which he said was “propaganda over propaganda”, leaving Akbar speechless.

Khan Market Blues

A top official from the Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC) got a taste of current GST practices when he visited Khan Market (an upmarket shopping arena) in the Capital. When he bought an item, the trader offered two sets of prices: one with an invoice and the other without it. The trader even went on to tell the CBEC Member: “What are you going to do with an invoice. Museum pe rakhoge kya (Will you keep it in a museum?)”.

Creative Piyush Goyal

Coal and Railways Minister Piyush Goyal’s penchant for rebuttals had him in a tight spot. During a session at the World Economic Forum, Goyal was told that job losses had plagued the economy. In defence of the government, Goyal said this was a good sign. Realising he may have walked into swampy territory, he continued by saying that the youth want to be job creators, and not mere job seekers.

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