Pani Puri Seller Earns INR 40 Lakhs in a Year, GST Notice Sparks Online Debate

Street food, especially pani puri, enjoys immense popularity across India. It is common to see people lining up at small roadside stalls for a quick snack. The growing demand has allowed many street vendors to earn substantial amounts of money. However, a pani puri vendor from Tamil Nadu has recently found himself at the center of a heated online discussion after being served a GST notice.

According to reports, the vendor received a notice after authorities detected online payments amounting to INR 40 lakhs during the financial year 2023-24. The Tamil Nadu Goods and Services Tax Department, in conjunction with the Central GST Department, issued a summons under Section 70 of the Tamil Nadu Goods and Services Tax Act and the Central GST Act on December 17, 2024. The vendor has been directed to appear in person and submit relevant financial documents for inspection.

Officials reportedly analyzed the vendor’s financial transactions for 2022 and 2023 before issuing the notice. It was revealed that the significant earnings came to light through digital payments made by customers using UPI platforms.

The incident has since sparked widespread discussion on social media. Netizens are reacting in various ways, with one user commenting, "This is more than the salary of many professors working in medical colleges." Another remarked, "If he earned so much through digital payments alone, what about the cash income? His actual annual earnings must be much higher." Yet another noted, "This news is spreading rapidly online. Soon, no one will accept UPI payments anymore."