Budget 2006: A TamBrahm's dilemma

“Pretty confusing, this cut in excise,”
Said a TamBrahm (between mouthfuls of rice)
"Now for my 'nashta',
Should I have idli or pasta?
Must ask the FM for his word of advice!”

The Indian Express 28/02/06: Budget 2006 - Processed items like condensed milk, ice-cream, preparation of meat, fish and poultry, pectins, pasta and yeast have been fully exempted from excise duties. Excise duty on ready-to-eat packaged foods and instant food mixes, like dosa and idli mixes, will be reduced from 16 per cent to 8 per cent.

*Nashta: Breakfast or a light snack/meal

**TamBrahm: Tamil Brahmin

Cross-posted on Desicritics