The Bihu stage shows and other cultural stage shows in Assam will now come under the purview of the GST Act (Goods & Service Tax Act ).

From now on, the singers and artistes will have to receive cheque payments from the cultural show committees and organizers. They will then have to pay 18 per cent of their payments as GST.

Incidentally, the decision to bring cultural shows, including stage Bihu shows, under the ambit of the GST Act was taken way back in 2017, but it was not implemented in Assam.

A fresh directive in this regard have been issued to Bihu committees and cultural show organisers in the state.

The indirect tax came into effect from July 1st, 2017 through the implementation of the One Hundred and First Amendment of the Constitution of India by the government. The GST replaced existing multiple taxes levied by the central and state governments.

The Dibrugarh Bihu Sanmilani Samiti slammed the government over the move. “We dare the government to impose GST on Durga Puja and Chatt Puja committees. This is an act to suppress our voice,” said a Samiti member.

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