The Union Ministry of Culture has introduced a new scheme namely ‘Seva Bhoj Yojna’ to provide special financial assistance to all charitable religious institutions that serve free food to people.
Central Goods and Services Tax (CGST) and Integrated Goods and Services Tax (IGST) paid by these institutions will be reimbursed by the Centre.
Institutions (temples, gurudwaras, mosques, churches, ashrams, dargahs, monasteries etc.) in existence for 5 years who serve free food to at least 5,000 people in a month will be eligible for the benefits.
The ministry will register eligible charitable religious institutions on the ‘Darpan’ portal.