The wheat import exemption – CBEC vsagri minister
Day before yesterday a senior editorial colleague called up with high excitement and told me that import of wheat is exempted but he wanted a clarification. He said that Mr. Pawar had announced that wheat imported by private traders is exempted, and it was said that, “as of now there is no duty on wheat” He wanted to know, “as of now if there is no duty, what is the exemption?” I suggested to him that we would not carry the news until we get a copy of the notification. And yesterday we are told, there is no such notification. CBEC chairman VP Singh had clarified that there is no such exemption and the 5% duty continues. But SharadPawar had the last laugh. He again announced that the government had indeed decided to exempt imported wheat till December 30th. He also said that the Chairman, CBEC might not have been told about it. Pawar said that the notification would be issued in a couple of days.