Popcorn casteism is alive and popping

It's popcorn season. Not just for those buying those incredibly overpriced tubs from movieplex snacks counters, but for all who get the munchies this winter. Popping popcorn makes for a universal experience, whether bought from the diversified namkeen chap outside your building, or prepared in your trusty microwave after a 3-min twirl. So, it comes as little surprise that Government-ji, who likes you to pass the bowl of any good stuff you're having, wants to have a say on how you pay for your popcorn.

At Saturday's GST Council powwow in Jaisalmer, it was decided that there will be no change in the tax rate for popcorn. The council of elders stated that the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs would be issuing a circular clarifying 'tax on pop'. And if you thought that popcorn is one simple edible fun snack, munch on it, munchkins. 'Ready-to-eat popcorn,' we are told, has the 'essential character of namkeen' as it's 'mixed with salt and spices'. If not prepackaged and labelled, it'll be 5% GST thanks. If pre-packaged and branded, a 12% GST please for being 'posh'. But if, god forbid, your popcorn is branded and caramelised-that is sugar-added-its 'character changes to that of a sugar confection'. So, being of the Marie Antoinette disposition, you'll have to cough up 18% GST. Pop(corn) casteism is very much alive and popping.