Amritsar: The Goods and Services Tax (GST) would not only be imposed on the purchase gurdwaras make, but also on religious symbols.

Amritsar: The Goods and Services Tax (GST) would not only be imposed on the purchase gurdwaras make, but also on religious symbols.

It has been learnt that 18 per cent GST has been imposed on “kara” (iron bracelet), 12 per cent on “kirpan” (sword), 5 per cent on “gatra” (“kirpan” strap) and 2 per cent on “kangha” (wooden comb) — the articles of faith worn by baptised Sikhs.

The Damdami Taksal has sought exemption on the religious symbols. Its head Harnam Singh Khalsa has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in this connection.

“The Sikh ‘kakars’ (religious articles) had never been taxed for the past 20 years. I have brought to PM’s notice that not all, but baptised Sikhs, wear these articles. If the government can exempt plastic and glass bangles, what is the logic of imposing GST on ‘kara’? Even gold bangles have been taxed at 3 per cent, but ‘kara’, which is an iron bracelet, has been burdened with 18 per cent tax,” Khalsa said.