Seva Bhoj Scheme

July 21, 2023

GS Paper III Indian Economy

Context-Recently the amount of 466 lakhs, which was collected as GST during the last 3 years was reimbursed to Charitable/Religious Institutions.

About the Seva Bhoj Scheme:

Objective: Under the Scheme Central Goods and Services Tax (CGST) and Central Government’s share of Integrated Goods and Services Tax (IGST) paid on purchase of specific raw food items by Charitable Religious Institutions shall be reimbursed as Financial Assistance by the Government of India.
It is provided to those institutions who provide Food/Prasad/Langar (Community Kitchen)/Bhandara free of cost without any discrimination to Public/Devotees.
Nodal Ministry: It is a Central Sector scheme with the Ministry of culture as the nodal ministry.

Type of Assistance under the scheme:

Eligibility: Free ‘prasad’ or free food or free ‘langar’ / ‘bhandara’ (community kitchen) offered by charitable religious institutions like Gurudwara, Temples, Dharmik Ashram, Mosques, Dargah, Church, Mutt, Monasteries etc will be eligible.
Method: Financial Assistance will be provided on First-cum-First Serve basis of registration linked to funds available for the purpose in a Financial Year.

News Source:pib

Quantum of Assistance-Financial Assistance in the form of reimbursement shall be provided where the institution has already paid GST on all or any of the raw food items listed below :