Shimla, May 30
Himachal Pradesh Chief Secretary Ram Subhag Singh today ordered a probe on a restaurant run by M/s Timber Trail Resort at Parwanoo for charging exorbitant or excessive GST, against norms. The CS ordered Secretary Excise and Taxation Subhasish Panda to conduct an enquiry and inform the complainant about the matter.
In the matter the complainant Ajay Jagga who is Ex-member, Distt Consumer Protection Council, UT Chandigarh has alleged that the rate of GST on sales by eateries is 5 per cent. Whereas on April 27, during a visit to the restaurant of Timber Trail Resorts, Parwanoo, was charged at 18 percent. “That is, 9 pc under the State (HP) GST and 9 pc under the Centre GST. However the GST chargeable rate applicable is of 5 pc i.e. 2.5 pc State (HP) GST and 2.5 pc under Centre GST,” he stated.
Taking up the matter with authorities, Jagga stated that the charging of GST at the rate 18 pc instead of 5 pc appears to be, not in accordance with law, and needs a probe. “Lakhs of tourists are paying bills everyday,” he added. ” This appears to be a clear-cut case of imposition of unjustified costs on the consumers and it tantamount to restrictive and unfair trade practice.
Adding, Himachal is Dev Bhoomi and is tourist state but if visitors are exploited like this, then this brings a very bad name for the state, not only in India but internationally, too.
Assuming that this might not an isolated case of charging higher GST, and, that there could other eateries, across the state, doing the same, he said that the case shows an emergent need for examination or probe. The Consumer Affairs department, State and Centre GST department must ensure that consumers are not charged higher in the garb of GST.
Further the excise department may also examine whether 5 pc was being paid to the government or 18 pc, will bring upon a black & white picture.
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