Frozen, packaged, branded parota not eaten by poor; Govt justifies 18% GST

Facing flak over a judicial authority ruling that frozen parota would attract a goods and services tax (GST) rate of 18 per cent as against 5 per cent on roti, the government on Saturday clarified that seal-packed and branded items attracted higher taxes in line with standard global practice.
 

According to government sources, frozen parota (layered flatbread) does not qualify as a staple item and is not eaten by the poor.

It is consumed by a class that can afford to pay taxes, hence falls in the 18 per cent category with the likes of biscuits, pastries, and cakes,