Indian social media has a knack for turning everyday frustrations into viral humor, and this time, the Goods and Services Tax (GST) has taken center stage. A post by a user named Vivek on the 𝕏 platform humorously dissected the tax rates on the humble Medu Vada, sparking laughter and debate across the platform. Vivek’s post wittily claimed that plain Medu Vada is taxed at 5%, Medu Vada dipped in curd (Curd Vada) is taxed at 12%, and Medu Vada with boondi added to the curd attracts an 18% GST—turning a simple South Indian dish into a prime example of how value additions lead to higher tax brackets.
Humor That Hits Close to Home
The post didn’t stop at Medu Vada. Vivek extended his satire to everyday conveniences like air conditioners, imagining a future where ACs might attract different GST rates based on their temperature settings. “Imagine an AC remote that pops up tax rates as you adjust the temperature! Families will debate whether to lower the temperature for comfort or raise it to avoid the ‘Luxury Arctic Feel’ tax,” he joked, earning hundreds of likes and retweets.
The satire struck a chord, with social media users chiming in with their own hilarious takes. Some wondered if tea, a staple beverage in India, would soon have a GST guide of its own—“Darjeeling or Assam? Sugar or no sugar? Glass or cup? With or without milk? Morning or evening? Looks like the GST Council will decide,” quipped one user.
Another user added to the conversation: “Soon, we’ll have Saver Mode ACs to save us from the taxman and the heat!”
Why This Humor Resonates?
India’s GST system, introduced in 2017 to simplify the country’s taxation structure, has been criticized for its complexities and inconsistencies. While the system consolidated multiple state and central taxes into one, it introduced a multi-slab structure with rates ranging from 0% to 28%, depending on the product or service.
The result has been confusion, particularly for businesses and consumers dealing with everyday items that can fall into different slabs based on minor variations. Vivek’s post, while humorous, captures this frustration.
- The Medu Vada Irony: What was once a simple dish has become a satirical example of GST complexity. A plain Medu Vada attracts a lower tax, but the moment curd or boondi is added, it enters a higher bracket. This highlights how minor “value additions” can significantly impact tax rates.
- AC Temperature Satire: Vivek’s imagined AC tax takes the humor up a notch, reflecting public concern over arbitrary classifications that often seem disconnected from ground realities.
- Relatability: The humor resonates because many Indians have faced similar confusion when trying to understand GST rates, whether it’s for packaged food, hotel stays, or even small services.
The Larger GST Debate
While Vivek’s post provides comic relief, it also shines a spotlight on ongoing issues with India’s tax system. The multiple GST slabs—0%, 5%, 12%, 18%, and 28%—make compliance a challenge, especially for small businesses.
- Consumer Confusion: A lack of clarity often leaves consumers unsure about how much they’re paying and why. The Medu Vada example perfectly illustrates this, as small additions like curd or boondi push the dish into higher tax brackets.
- Business Challenges: Businesses must navigate these complexities, ensuring they classify products correctly to avoid penalties. For smaller enterprises, this can be an overwhelming task.
- Calls for Simplification: Economists and industry leaders have long advocated for a simpler GST regime with fewer slabs. A single or dual-rate system could ease compliance and make the tax more consumer-friendly.
Public Reaction: Humor Meets Critique
Social media users didn’t just laugh at Vivek’s post—they used it as a platform to critique the government’s approach to taxation. Some questioned the rationale behind having so many tax slabs, while others pointed out that the current system creates unnecessary administrative burdens.
One user humorously wrote, “Why stop at Medu Vada? Let’s tax dosa based on its stuffing! Plain dosa: 5%. Masala dosa: 12%. Cheese dosa: 18%. By the time we finish breakfast, we’ll need a chartered accountant.”
Another user highlighted the irony of taxing food items differently: “How is curd a luxury? In that case, plain rice with curd must be a privilege meal!”
What This Humor Tells Us About India’s Tax Culture?
Posts like Vivek’s are a reminder that humor is often a reflection of deeper societal issues. In this case, the laughter stems from a shared experience of grappling with an overly complex tax system. While the GST has streamlined many aspects of taxation, its execution has left much to be desired.
The humorous take on Medu Vada GST rates underscores the need for simplification and clarity. For consumers, the focus should be on understanding and affordability, while for businesses, the priority should be ease of compliance. Simplifying the system could ensure that both groups benefit without losing sight of the tax’s original goal: creating a unified, efficient structure that supports India’s economic growth.
The takeaway from this satirical post is clear: While laughter helps lighten the mood, it also highlights the urgent need for rationalizing India’s GST regime. After all, if taxation becomes a daily guessing game, who’s really winning?