The Ministry of Culture has introduced the Seva Bhoj Yojana 2026 to ease the financial strain on charitable religious organizations. The central government is currently accepting online registration applications for the Seva Bhoj Yojana at csms.nic.in. Through this program, the government will provide refunds for Goods and Services Tax (GST) paid on food supplies used for community kitchens (Langar) at sacred locations. This guide outlines the steps to apply online and access the Seva Bhoj Yojana portal.
What is Seva Bhoj Yojna 2026
Under the Seva Bhoj Yojana 2026, the central government reimburses the CGST and the central portion of IGST paid on raw food supplies purchased by charitable religious bodies to provide free meals to the public. This means the government refunds the tax costs associated with essential ingredients like ghee, edible oils, flour, rice, pulses, sugar, and jaggery.
The central government offers this financial backing to religious and charitable institutions that serve free meals, Prasad, Langar, or Bhandara to the public without any form of discrimination.
Central Government Scheme for Charitable Religious Institutions
Known as the "SEVA BHOJ YOJNA," this scheme operates nationwide. Registration is open between the 1st and 15th of every month, after which a designated committee reviews the applications.
Goals of the Seva Bhoj Yojana
The core objective is to provide financial relief to charitable and religious organizations by refunding the central share of GST (CGST and IGST) incurred on purchasing specific food items used for public service.
Scope of the Seva Bhoj Initiative
This is a central sector scheme designed to reimburse tax costs for charitable and religious institutions that provide free food. Only entities meeting the specific program criteria are eligible to apply.
Supported Activities under Seva Bhoj Yojana
The scheme supports free food distribution such as Prasad, Langar, or community kitchens organized by institutions like temples, gurudwaras, mosques, churches, and monasteries. Aid is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to available annual funding.