The request by hoteliers for uniform GST rate on food items was put forth before Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday in a hilarious way by a leading industrialist in Coimbatore on Wednesday during an interaction session organized by CODISSIA has become viral across India.

The FM met various entrepreneurs and representatives of industry associations across Coimbatore, Tirupur, and Erode districts to listen to their requests, suggestions and demands. Tamil Nadu MLA from Coimbatore South constituency, Vanathi Srinivasan; BJP’s State Treasurer, S.R.Sekhar and other officials attended.

At the occasion, Managing Director of Sree Annapoorna Hotel, D.Srinivasan pointed out in a jovial way that different rates were applied to items on the same bill, causing confusion and dissatisfaction among customers.

“There is a 5% GST on sweets with input, 5% on food without input and 12% on savouries; whereas in bakery items, you have exempted breads and buns but charge up to 28% for the rest. When a customer gets a mix of different items for his family, the GST rates vary for each product, and billing that is hard for us. Upon seeing such different rates, the customers start to argue with us. Even Ms.Vanathi Srinivasan who is our regular customer argues with us,” he said in a light-hearted tone that was enjoyed by all in attendance.

“The GST for cream-filled buns is 18% whereas there is no GST on buns. Customers often complain, saying, ‘Just give me the bun, I’ll add the cream and jam myself,” he said; and emphasized the need for a uniform GST rate on food items.

His sincere appeal in a hilarious manner brought laughter from the crowd, and the same was taken in a sportive manner by the Finance Minister who also laughed with the crowd. The video of this interaction has gone viral on social media sites, TV channels and in WhatsApp.

Several other requests related to GST were made by industrialists and representatives of industry associations. The Finance Minister listened to their appeals and assured them that she would bring these concerns to the GST Council.