What’s in a name? Many would ask. But for a Chhattisgarh-based couple, it’s all about popularity as they named their just-born daughter as ‘GST’. 

The baby’s father Jagdish Prasad Sonwani, who works as a carpenter for a living, says he didn’t have any knowledge about Goods and Services Tax but has been hearing about it for quite some time, reports the PTI.

The Asian Age reported that Prasad did not think twice about naming the kid GST, though it may sound bizarre and unusual, since her birth coincided with the rollout of GST on the midnight of June 30.

“I thought of making the day (July 1) memorable for my family and entire village when I was blessed with a baby. Therefore, I named her as GST,” Sonwani, who hails from Basti village panchayat under Baikunthpur area of Koriya, told PTI.

“My wife, Sarojni (22), and me had heard a lot about GST during past couple of days that it will be implemented from July 1. However, we don’t have any knowledge about its details or provisions,” he added.

The Asian Age quoted Prasad, a state government employee, as saying that he was stranger to media attention. “But, I have received so much fame because of her. I have now been recognised by the locals. She has proved a lucky charm for me.”

Sarojini gave birth to ‘GST’ at a local government hospital around 8 am last Monday.

“We (the couple) immediately decided to name the baby as GST. My daughter will continue with this name in school too,” 26-year-old Sonwani asserted.

Village head Gorelal Sauto said the little girl has become the centre of attraction in the village after she was named GST. Villagers were visiting Sonwani’s house to congratulate his family, he added.

First baby named GST is in Rajasthan

This comes after a mother in Rajasthan named her child – born at 12:02 am on Saturday, July 1 – GST to mark the launch of what is being touted by the central government as ‘India’s biggest single tax reform to date’, reported the Indian Express.

As soon as the news of baby GST was shared in the online space, members of the BJP government were quick to send their wishes to the newborn. 

Party spokesperson Nalin Kohli shared a picture of the mother with the child taking a selfie. “This is an empowering #GST & #SabkaSathSabkaVikas image on #BadaltaBharat under @narendramodi ji @BJP4India, from Rajasthan @VasundharaBJP”, he tweeted.

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