Clarification regarding applicability of GST on supply of food in Anganwadis and Schools

Last updated: 15 July 2021

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This circular clarifies that the Goods and Services Tax (GST) does not apply to food supplied in schools and Anganwadis. This exemption covers catering services, including mid-day meals, provided to educational institutions, regardless of whether the funding comes from government grants or corporate donations. Anganwadis are considered educational institutions for this purpose.

Circular No. 149/1/2021-GST

CBIC-190354/36/2021-TRU Section-CBEC

Government of India
Ministry of Finance
Department of Revenue
North Block, New Delhi

Dated the 17^th June, 2021

To,
The Principal Chief Commissioners/ Chief Commissioners/ Principal Commissioners/ Commissioner of Central Tax (All) /
The Principal Director Generals/ Director Generals (All)

Madam/Sir,

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 43^rd meeting held on 28^th May, 2021.

2. Entry 66 clause (b)(ii) of notification No. 12/2017-Central Tax (Rate) dated 28th June, 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 interalia provides pre-school non-formal education. Hence, aganwadi 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 aganwadi. Hence, serving of food to anganwadi shall also be covered by said exemption, whether sponsored by government or through donation from corporates.

5. Difficulty if any, in the implementation of this circular may be brought to the notice of the Board.

Yours faithfully,

(Rajeev Ranjan)
Under Secretary, TRU
Email: rajeev.ranjan-as@gov.in
Tel: 011 2309 5558

FAQ :

No, GST is not applicable on food served in schools, including catering and mid-day meals, as these services are exempt under notification No. 12/2017-Central Tax (Rate).

Yes, the GST exemption applies to food supplied in Anganwadis, as they are considered educational institutions (pre-schools) under the relevant notification.

No, the exemption applies irrespective of whether the food supplies are funded by government grants or corporate donations.

The exemption covers catering services, including any mid-day meals scheme, provided to educational institutions.