India’s New Popcorn GST Rates Draw Criticism for Complexity

The GST Council's decision to introduce varying tax rates for salted and caramel popcorn has prompted backlash over the system's growing intricacy.

The GST Council's 55th meeting introduced three tax slabs for popcorn: 5% for unpackaged salted popcorn, 12% for pre-packaged salted popcorn, and 18% for caramel popcorn.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman explained that caramel popcorn's higher tax rate reflects its classification as a sugar confectionery rather than a snack.
Critics, including Congress leaders, argue the move highlights the growing complexity of India's GST system, which was intended to simplify taxation.
Social media users mocked the decision with memes and commentary, questioning the government's priorities and the rationale behind the tax slabs.
Experts and commentators have called for a systemic overhaul of GST to reduce ambiguities, rationalize tax slabs, and restore public trust in the system.