Mani withdraws tax on packaged food articles after criticism

Thiruvananthapuram: Facing criticism for imposing tax on packaged food articles, Finance Minister KM Mani Monday withdrew the proposal made by him in the budget.

In the 2015-16 budget presented by him on March 13, he had proposed a one per cent tax on packaged rice, rice products and wheat, five per cent on refined flour, wheat, semolina and 'rava', one per cent on coconut oil and two per cent on sugar.

The tax on food articles evoked concerns in the state especially among households.

Rolling back the measure in the House amidst Opposition's protest against him, Mani said the total tax concession in this regard would come to around Rs 260 crore.

Patting Mani for the tax waiver, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy said this was one of the announcements which the state was waiting for.