BSNL starts charging Service Tax on STVs activated via SMS, following private Operators?

BSNL has prominently won the hearts of many users regarding the SMS based activation of STVs via its toll-free number 53733. BSNL did not charge the service tax on STVs as a user is activating them from main account balance, since the balance is credited only after levying service tax.

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This was a good move followed by BSNL till now and was widely hailed by many of its users. Looks like the scenario is now changing, as reported by a user from Karnataka circle, BSNL started charging service tax on its SMS based STV activation facility.

The user has also sent an email to respective team complaining about the unusual deduction from his main account balance and in return there is a confirmation mail which states “with effective 14 Nov 2014, the deduction of usage value from Prepaid main balance is equivalent to the actual cost of STV/Plan voucher.”

Dear readers, how do you feel about this move?  Are you also charged  for the same in your circle as well? Do let us know via comments.

Inputs : Adarsha

Note: Information based on experience and as shared by a user from Karnataka circle. Please check with respective circle cc before activating any STV’s via SMS.