‘Banarasi paan’ to get sweeter as ‘gulkand’ becomes tax-free

“UP is a major ‘gulkand’ manufacturing state, with Kannauj leading the way. Gulkand has medicinal values and the decision to make it tax-free will give a major boost to the industry in the state,” said Amit, a leading retailer in Lucknow.

An expert said that Kannauj itself accounted for <g data-gr-id="33">manufacture</g> of around Rs 300-crore ‘gulkand’, which is famous not only in India, but <g data-gr-id="31">off shore</g> as well.

“The tax exemption will reduce <g data-gr-id="32">cost</g> of <g data-gr-id="36">meetha</g> <g data-gr-id="37">paan</g>,” said Monu, a ‘paan’ retailer. Traders said there was no VAT on ‘gulkand’ in Rajasthan.

‘Gulkand’, which adds flavour in ‘paan’ (preparation combining betel leaf, tobacco and nuts), was recently exempted from Value Added Tax (VAT) by the Uttar Pradesh government.

The decision was taken at a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav.

“With this decision of the UP government, we will compete in the market,” Anoop Kelkar, a prominent trader, said.

“Gulkand in Kannauj is prepared from <g data-gr-id="42">local</g> breed of <g data-gr-id="43">rose</g> which is admired all over. It is much in demand in Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. Exempting it from VAT net will have far reaching effects,” he said.

‘Gulkand’, which is prepared by mixing rose petals with sugar, is considered as an Ayurvedic tonic because of its cooling properties.

It provides <g data-gr-id="52">remedy</g> for reduction of ‘pitta’ (bile) and heat in the body. It is also considered to be <g data-gr-id="51">remedy</g> for eye inflammation and redness. Besides, it strengthens teeth and gums and is good for <g data-gr-id="50">treatment</g> of acidity. ‘Gulkand’ has cooling properties, thus it is beneficial in alleviating all <g data-gr-id="48">heat related</g> problems like fatigue, lethargy, itching, aches and pains.