CM Mann And Akali Dal Opposes The 12% GST On ‘Serais’ Of Golden Temple Imposed By The Central Government

Outstation devotees, who stay at “serais” (inns) operated by the (SGPC) Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee during their visit to the Golden Temple, will now have to pay more as the Centre has imposed the GST (Goods and Service Tax) on the accommodation.

On the other side, there is no tax on the lodging managed by the Durgiana committee.

Followed by the Golden Temple, thousands of pilgrims visit the Durgiana Mandir daily.

The three SGPC-run “serais” — Baba Deep Singh Yatri Niwas, Mata Bhag Kaur Niwas, and Sri Guru Gobind Singh NRI Niwas — are outside the shrine grounds — now levy a 12 percent GST on lodging expenses.

The “serais” located within the shrine compound are not subject to tax.

Assistant Secretary of the SGPC Kulwinder Singh Ramdas has denounced the Center’s action and called for its reversal.

“The SGPC-run ‘serais’ are designed to comfort pilgrims who travel great distances to the Golden Temple. These are not businesses that wish to make money. Taxes of any kind cannot be defended. The SGPC also engages in social causes related to health and education. In times of natural disaster, it is frequently among the first to offer assistance. How could the Center ignore this? He said.

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Even the chief minister of Punjab, Bhagwant Mann, Akali leaders, and former union minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal have vehemently disagreed with the decision and called for its reversal.

Additionally, Mata Bhag Kaur Niwas, Sri Guru Gobind Singh NRI Niwas, and Baba Deep Singh Yatri Niwas would all be subject to the GST.

Raghav Chadha, a Rajya Sabha representative for the AAP, has also issued a notice suspending proceedings in the legislature to discuss the implementation of a 12% GST on “Sarais” close to the Golden Temple.