50 p scented supari exempted from tax: PC

New Delhi, Mar 20 (UNI) Scented supari packet worth 50 paise is fully exempted from excise duty, Finance Minister P Chidambaram said today.

''Excise duty on scented supari packet with MRP 50 p does not exist,'' Mr Chidambaram said, replying to the debate on the Finance Bill 2006-07 in the Lok Sabha.

He said the product has been exempted from tax since the 'paanwala'', who sells it, often keeps the change.

''The customer invariably has to shell out 50 paise for a product worth 30 paise.'' UNI YJ MSJ GC1426