GST on supply of ‘PUSHTI’ to Anganwadi centers through Child Development Project Office

In re Raibag Taluk MSPC (GST AAR Karnataka)

In the recent GST Advance Ruling (AAR) for Raibag Taluk Mahila Supplementary Production Center (MSPC), key issues surrounding tax exemptions and product classifications under GST notifications were addressed. This ruling provides clarity on various aspects including exemptions for services provided to educational institutions, the classification of products like “Pushti”, and the applicability of specific GST notifications and circulars.

1. GST Exemption under Notification No. 12/2017-Central Tax (Rate)

The applicant sought clarification on whether they qualify for exemptions under Serial No. 66 clause (b)(ii) of Notification No. 12/2017-Central Tax (Rate) dated 28.06.2017. This entry generally provides exemptions for services rendered to educational institutions, including catering services under government-sponsored mid-day meal schemes.

However, the ruling clarified that this notification applies specifically to services and not to the supply of goods. As the applicant is involved in supplying goods (i.e., supplementary products) and not services, the exemption under this notification is not applicable to their case.

2. Applicability of Circular No. 149/05/2021-GST

Circular No. 149/05/2021-GST, dated 17.06.2021, elaborates on the GST exemption for services provided to educational institutions by way of catering, including mid-day meals. The circular asserts that such exemptions apply to pre-schools and schools, including Anganwadis, if funded by government or corporate donations.

Despite this clarification, the ruling emphasized that the applicant’s case pertains to the supply of goods rather than services. Therefore, this circular, which deals with service exemptions, does not extend to the applicant’s supply of goods.

3. Relevance of Clarification No: KSA/GST.CR-05/2019-20

Clarification No: KSA/GST.CR-05/2019-20 dated 23.06.2021, issued by the Karnataka state tax authorities, aligns withCircular No. 149/05/2021-GST. It confirms that GST exemptions apply to services provided to educational institutions, including Anganwadis. Since this clarification reiterates the stance of the circular and applies to services, it also does not affect the applicant’s case involving the supply of goods.

4. Classification of Product “Pushti”

The classification of the product “Pushti” was a critical point of discussion. The applicant queried whether “Pushti” should be considered as “pre-packaged and labeled” under Notification No. 06/2022 Central Tax (Rate) or exempted under Notification No.07/2022 Central Tax (Rate).

According to the detailed examination:

• Notification No. 06/2022: This notification revised the classification criteria for goods like “Pushti”, which might be considered as “pre-packaged and labeled”. However, the ruling concluded that the product, though packaged, does not meet the definition of “pre-packaged and labeled” as per the Legal Metrology Act, 2009, because it is not intended for sale and lacks commercial labeling.
• Notification No.07/2022: This notification specifies that goods not meeting the “pre-packaged and labeled” criteria fall under entry No. 78 of Notification No. 2/2017, which does not tax products that are not commercially packaged. The ruling agreed that “Pushti”, being a non-commercial product, is not taxed under this entry either.

Conclusion

The AAR ruling for Raibag Taluk MSPC offers essential insights into the GST applicability for the applicant. It confirms that:

• Exemptions under Notification No. 12/2017-Central Tax (Rate) are not applicable to the supply of goods, only services.
• Circular No. 149/05/2021-GST and Clarification No: KSA/GST.CR-05/2019-20, while relevant to service exemptions, do not apply to the supply of goods.
• The product “Pushti” is not classified as “pre-packaged and labeled” and therefore, is not subjected to GST as per the relevant notifications.

This ruling underscores the importance of understanding the specific scope and definitions within GST notifications and circulars to determine the applicability of tax exemptions and classifications. For entities involved in similar activities, this case serves as a crucial reference for navigating GST compliance.

FULL TEXT OF THE ORDER OF AUTHORITY FOR ADVANCE RULING, KARNATAKA

ORDER UNDER SECTION 98(4) OF THE CGST ACT, 2017 ANDUNDER SECTION 98(4) OF THE KGST ACT, 2017

M/s RAIBAG TALUK MSPC (herein after referred to as ‘Applicant’), No. 1118 B, Pakalli Thota, Chinchalli, Raibag, Belagavi-591217, having GSTIN 29AAAAR9206N1Z0, have filed an application for Advance Ruling under Section 97 of CGST Act, 2017, read with Rule 104 of the CGST Rules 2017 and Section 97 of KGST Act, 2017 read with Rule 104 of KGST Rules 2017, in Form GST ARA-01 discharging the fee of Rs.5,000/- each under the CGST Act and KGST

2. The Applicant states that they are registered as a “Society” under Karnataka Societies Registration Act 1960. The Applicant is engaged in supplying the supplementary products to Anganwadi centers through Child Development Project Office (herein after referred as CDPO for brevity) and the activities and operations of MSPC are supervised by the CDPO of the concerned Taluks.

3. In view of the above, the applicant has sought advance ruling in respect of the following questions:-

a) Whether exemption is available to the applicant as per S.N.66 clause (b)(ii) of notification No. 12/2017- central tax (Rate) dated 28.06.2017

b) Whether “as per Circular No. 149/05/2021-GST dated: 17.06.2021 and Entry 66 clause (b)( n) of notification No. 12/2017- central tax (Rate) dated 28.06.2017 exempt services provided to an educational institution by way of catering, including any mid-day meals scheme sponsored by the Central Government, State Government or Union Territory. This entry applies to pre-school and schools’ is exemption available to the applicant.

c) Whether clarification as per clarification No: KSA/GST.CR-05/2029-20 dated: 23.06. 2021 is applicable to the applicant.

d) Whether Product Pushti supplied by the applicant not considered as pre-packaged and labeled” product and not taxed as per Notification No.07/2022 Central Tax (Rate) dated: 13th July 2022 read with entry No. 78 of Notification No. 02/2027 Central Tax (Rates) dated 28th June 2017.

e) Whether Product Pushti supplied by the applicant considered as “prepackaged and labeled” product and taxed as per Notification No. 06/2022 Central Tax (Rate) dated: 13th July 2022 read with entry No. 59 of Notification No. 01/2017 Central Tax (Rate) dated: 28th June 2017.

4. Admissibility of the application: The question is about the “determination of the liability to pay tax on any goods or service or both” and applicability of a notification issued under the provisions of the Act” which is covered under Section 97(2)(e) and 97(2) (b) of the CGST Act 2017 respectively and hence the instant application is admissible.

5. Brief Facts of The Case: The applicant has furnished the following facts relevant to the issue:

5.1 The Applicant states that he is registered under the provisions of Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017 as well as Karnataka Goods and Services Tax Act 2017 (hereinafter referred to as the CGST Act and KGST/SGST Act respectively). The Applicant is registered as a “Society” under Karnataka Societies Registration Act, 1960.

5.2 That, as per the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Scheme of Government of India, Karnataka State Government has established Mahila Supplementary Production and Training Center (hereinafter referred as MSPC for brevity) in all taluks of the State. MSPC supply supplementary food to anganwadi centers through Child Development Project Office (herein after referred as CDPO for brevity) and the activities and operations of MSPC are supervised by the CDPO of the concerned Taluks.

5.3 The applicant states that the society i.e. MSPC is all women association with the main objective of member’s welfare especially widows, women in reservation cadre, backward communities and SC/ST. Further, the society also aims at providing high nutrition food products to beneficiaries under ICDS Scheme. The applicant states that the Society is formed with the motive of social welfare and not monetary benefits.

5.4 The applicant states that currently they are supplying below mentioned product as per the requirement of CDPO. Product description and proportions are mentioned below.

Product Name : Pushti

5.5 The applicant states that they purchase the above raw materials/ ingredients from the open market and does cleaning, roasting and powdering of above ingredients in the mentioned percentage and pack it as ‘Pushti’ product and supply to CDPO. On the pack of the Pushti product it’s mentioned as “Free supply and not for sale”. “The product is pre-packaged but not labeled”.

5.6 The Applicant states that as per Advance Ruling No. KAR ADRG 56/ dated 29.10.2021 it has been ruled that,

“‘Pushti’, which is a powdered mixture of Ragi, Rice, Wheat, Green gram, Fried gram, Moong dhal, and Soya in different proportions, is classified under HSN code 1106.”

5.7 The Applicant states that, “Pushti” is a mixture of various ingredients specified above and is not bearing a registered brand name supplied in packages weighing from 0.5/1 kg each , whereas it is mentioned on package as “Free Supply and not for Sale” as per the Government G.O’s.

5.8 This product is exclusively supplied only to CDPO and this product is not available in the open market and end user of this product are beneficiaries of Anganwadi Centers such as children from 06 months to 3 years, pregnant women and lactating mothers.

5.9 The Applicant states that they are supplying below mentioned goods to CDPO and in turn CDPO supplying them to Anganwadi centers for the benefit of beneficiaries such as pregnant women, Lactating mothers and Children.

5.10 The Applicant states that Circular No. 149/05/2021-GST, dated 17.06.2021 and Entry 66 clause (b)(ii) of notification No. 12/2017 – Central Tax (Rate) dated 28.06.2017, exempts services provided to an educational institution by way of catering, including any mid-day meals scheme sponsored by the Central Government, State Government or Union Territory. This entry applies to pre-school and schools.

5.11 The Applicant states that, the Commissioner of Commercial Taxes clarified as per clarification No: KSA/GST.CR-05/2019-20 dated: 23rd June 2021:

“Service provided to educational institutions and by way of serving of food(catering including mid-day meals) is exempt from levy of GST irrespective of its funding from Government grants or corporate donations (under said entry 66(b)(ii) Educational institutions as defined in the notification include anganwadi. Hence, Serving of food to anganwadi shall also be covered by said exemption, whether sponsored by government or through donation from corporate. “

5.12 Accordingly, as per said entry 66, any catering service provided to an educational institution is exempt from GST. The entry further mentions that such exempt service includes midday meals service as specified in the entry. The scope of this entry is thus wide enough to cover serving of any food to a school, including pre – school. Further, an anganwadi inter alia provides pre-school non-formal education. Hence, anganwadi is covered by the definition of educational institution (as pre- school).

5.13 The Applicant states that, product “Pushti” is powdered mixture of cereals and pulses. The product ‘pushti’ should be classified under HSN 1106 as per serial No. 78 of Notification No. 2/2017 – Central Tax (Rate) dated 28.06.2017, and as per serial No. 59 of Notification No. 01/2017 of central tax(Rate) dated 28th June 2017 and the same is reproduced below:

5.13.1 Whereas, in Notification No. 06/2022 Central Tax (Rates) dated: 13th July 2022, amendment has been made to S. No. 59 of Notification No. 01/2017 of central tax(Rate) dated 28th June 2017, which was as below

“In column (3), for the portion beginning with the words “put up in” and ending with the words and bracket “as in the ANNEXURE]”, the words pre-packaged and labelled” shall be substituted”

5.13.2 Whereas, in Notification 07/2022 Central Tax (Rate) dated: 13th July 2022, amendment has been made to S. No. 78 of Notification No. 2/2017 – Central Tax (Rate) dated 28.06.2017, as below

“in column (3), for the portion beginning with the words “[other than those” and ending with the words “conditions as in the ANNEXURE I]]”, the words “, other than pre packaged and labelled” shall be substituted”

5.14 The Applicant states that, the GST Act, 2017 has not defined the meaning of “pre-packed and labeled”, Notification 06/2022 Central Tax (Rate) dated: 13.07. 2022 refers to Legal Metrology Act, 2009 (lof 2010) for the definition of the “pre – packed and labeled”

As per section 2(1) of Legal Metrology Act, 2009(1 of 2010), “pre-packaged commodity” means a commodity which without the purchaser being present is placed in a package of whatever nature, whether sealed or not, so that the product contained therein has a pre-determined quantity;

5.15 The Applicant states that, they are supplying the product “Pushti” to the Karnataka Government under the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme, based on the agreement the product will be packed in a prescribed quantity, i.e., it is not packed to sale in open market without the purchased being present and pre-determined quantity.

5.16 As per section 2(f) of Legal Metrology Act, 2009(1 of 20100 says, “label” means any written, marked, stamped, printed or graphic matter affixed to, or appearing upon any pre-packaged commodity;

5.17 . The Applicant states that, “Free Supply and not for Sale” will be written on the package, which does not serve any commercial purpose, rather it printed for awareness and product of your applicant needs the clarification regarding is it pre – packed or not.

PERSONAL HEARING/PROCEEDINGS HELD ON 27.05.2024

6. Sri Kiran Kumar Shavi, Charted Accountant & Authorized Representatives of the applicant appeared for personal hearing proceedings and reiterated the facts narrated in their application

FINDINGS & DISCUSSION

7. At the outset we would like to make it clear that the provisions of CGST Act, 2017 and the KGST Act, 2017 are in pari-materia and have the same provisions in like matter and differ from each other only on a few specific provisions. Therefore, unless a mention is particularly made to such dissimilar provisions, a reference to the CGST Act would also mean reference to the corresponding similar provisions in the KGST Act.

8. We have considered the submissions made by the applicant in their application for advance ruling. We have also considered the issues involved on which advance ruling is sought by the applicant and the relevant facts along with the arguments made by their authorized representative and also their submissions made during the time of hearing.

9. The Applicant states that, as per the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Scheme of Government of India, Karnataka State Government has established Mahila Supplementary Production and Training Center (hereinafter referred as MSPC for brevity) in all taluks of the State and these MSPCs’ supply supplementary food to Anganwadi centers through Child Development Project Office (herein after referred as CDPO for brevity) and the activities and operations of MSPC are supervised by the CDPO of the concerned Taluks.

The applicant states that the society i.e. MSPC is all women association with the main objective of member’s welfare especially widows, women from backward communities, scheduled Caste and scheduled Tribe. Further, the society also aims at providing high nutrition food products to beneficiaries under ICDS Scheme.

10. The applicant is a society which is into supply of ‘Pushti’, a powdered mixture of Sugar, Groundnut, Fried gram, Green gram, Soya, Rice and Elaichi in different proportions. The Applicant states that they are also into supply of goods like Jaggery, Jaggery powder, Oil, Moong dal, Ground nut, Green gram, HDP plastic bags, Parched gram and Salt to CDPO and CDPO in turn supplies the same to Anganwadis which will be distributed to children, pregnant women and lactating mothers.

10.1 The Applicant states that Pushti’, is a powdered mixture of Sugar, Groundnut, Fried gram, Green gram, Soya, Rice and Elaichi in different proportions as mentioned below.

10.2 . On observation of the above ingredients, we observe that the product ‘pushti’ is a powdered mixture of cereals, pulses and sugar. The applicant wants to know whether their product Pushti can be considered as “pre-packaged and labeled” product and taxed as per entry No. 59 of Notification No. 01/2017 of central tax(Rate) dated 28th June 2017 further amended aide Notification 06/2022 Central Tax (Rate) dated: 13.07. 2022.

Entry No. 59 of the above-mentioned notification is reproduced below:

Schedule I-2.5%

The above entry mentions ‘Meal and powder of the dried leguminous vegetables’ but, the Applicant’s product ‘pushti’ is a powdered mixture of cereals, pulses and sugar. Hence the same is not covered under the above-mentioned entry.

11. The applicant wants to know whether their product Pushti is not considered as pre-packaged and labeled” and not taxed as per entry No. 78 of Notification No. 02/2027 Central Tax (Rates) dated 28th June 2017 further amended vide Notification 07/2022 Central Tax (Rate) dated: 13th July 2022.

Entry No. 78 of Notification No. 02/2027 Central Tax (Rates) dated 28th June 2017 is reproduced below:

The above entry mentions ‘Flour, of the dried leguminous vegetables’ but, the Applicant’s product ‘pushti’ is a powdered mixture of cereals, pulses and sugar. Hence the same is not covered under the above-mentioned entry.

12. The Applicant wants to know whether exemption is available to them as per S.N.66 clause (b)(ii) of Notification No. 2/2017 – Central Tax (Rate) dated 28.06.2017 and as per Circular No. 149/05/2021-GST dated 17.06.2021 and as per clarification No. KSA/GST.CR-05/2019-20 Dated:23.06.2021.

12.1 Now we discuss one by one. Entry No. 66 of the Notification No. 2/2017 – Central Tax (Rate) dated 28.06.2017 is reproduced below:

12.2. Circular No. 149/05/2021-GST dated 17.06.2021 This circular was issued to clarify the applicability of GST on supply of food in Anganwadis and Schools, and the same is reproduced below(Applicable portion):

Sub- Clarification regarding applicability of GST on supply of food in Anganwadis and Schools -reg.

Representations have been received seeking clarification regarding applicability of GST on the issues as to whether serving of food in schools under Mid-Day Meals Scheme would be exempt if such supplies are funded by government grants and/or corporate donations. The issue was examined by GST Council in its 43rd meeting held on 28th May, 2021.

2. Entry 66 clause (b)(ii) of Notification No. 2/2017 – Central Tax (Rate) dated 28.06.2017, exempts Services provided to an educational institution, by way of catering, including any mid-day meals scheme sponsored by the Central Government, State Government or Union territory. This entry applies to pre-school and schools.

3. Accordingly, as per said entry 66, any catering service provided to an educational institution is exempt from GST. The entry further mention that such exempt service includes mid- day meal service as specified in the entry. The scope of this entry is thus wide enough to cover any serving of any food to a school, including pre-school. Further, an Anganwadi inter alia provides pre-school nonformal education. Hence, anganwadi is covered by the definition of educational institution (as pre-school)

4. Accordingly, as per recommendation of the GST Council, it is clarified that services provided to an educational institution by way of serving of food (catering including mid- day meals) is exempt from levy of GST irrespective of its funding from government grants or corporate donations [under said entry 66 (b)(ii)]. Educational institutions as defined in the notification include anganwadi. Hence, serving of food to anganwadi shall also be covered by said exemption, whether sponsored by government or through donation from corporates.

On careful reading of the above circular, we understand that this clarification is issued with respect to Entry No. 66 of Notification No. 2/2017 – Central Tax (Rate) dated 28.06.2017.

12 .3 now let us examine whether the Applicant is supplying goods or services. “Goods” is defined under subsection 52 of section 2 of CGST Act 2017 as below:-

“goods” means every kind of movable property other than money and securities but includes actionable claim, growing crops, grass and things attached to or forming part of the land which are agreed to be severed before supply or under a contract of supply;

“Services” is defined under subsection 102 of section 2 of CGST Act 2017 as below:

“services” means anything other than goods, money and securities but includes activities relating to the use of money or its conversion by cash or by any other mode, from one form, currency or denomination, to another form, currency or denomination for which a separate consideration is charged;

13. The applicant states that that they are supplying the goods mentioned in para 9 supra to the CDPO and CDPO in turn supplies the same to Anganwadis. As explained in the paras supra, the applicant is purchasing and supplying only goods and not into supply of any service. Since Notification No. 2/2017 – Central Tax (Rate) dated 28.06.2017 deals with supply of services which are exempted, the same cannot be applied to supply of goods as in the case of the applicant.

Since the Notification No. 2/2017 – Central Tax (Rate) dated 28.06.2017 is not applicable to the applicant’s case, Circular No. 149/05/2021-GST, dated: 17.06.2021 also is not applicable to the applicant’s case. Clarification No. KSA/GST.CR-05/2019-20 Dated:23.06.2021 is same as Circular No. 149/05/2021-GST, dated: 17.06.2021 but issued by the State of Karnataka and hence the same is not applicable to the applicant’s case.

14. In view of the foregoing, we rule as follows

RULING

a) Exemption is not available to the Applicant as per S.N.66 clause (b)(ii) of Notification No. 2/2017 – Central Tax (Rate) dated 28.06.2017.

b) Circular No. 149/05/2021-GST dated: 17.06.2021 is not applicable to the Applicant.

c) Clarification No: KSA/GST.CR-05/2019-20 dated: 23.06. 2021 is not applicable to the Applicant.

d) The Applicant’s Product “Pushti” is not taxed as per entry No. 78 of Notification No. 2/2017 – Central Tax (Rate) dated 28.06.2017 further amended vide Notification 07/2022 Central Tax (Rate) dated: 13th July 2022.

fe) The Applicant’s Product “Pushti” is not taxed as per entry No. 59 of Notification No. 01/2017 of central tax(Rate) dated 28th June 2017 further amended vide Notification 06/2022 Central Tax (Rate) dated: 13.07. 2022