Apni Party Chief Muhammad Altaf Bukhari has called upon Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to reconsider the proposed 28 pc hike in GST on textiles.
He stated that such a move would severely affect Kashmir's already declining handicraft industry, with the proposed increase acting as a death blow to those associated with the craft.
In a post on X, Bukhari wrote, “As the GST Council holds its 55th meeting today in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, under the leadership of Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, I once again humbly urge that the proposed GST hike of up to 28 pc on textiles not be approved.”
He added, “Approving such an increase would severely impact the businesses involved in Kashmiri shawls, crewel work, and other traditional textiles, ultimately affecting the livelihoods of countless artisans.”
It is important to note that in 2018, the GST Council reduced the tax on handmade carpets and similar items from 12 pc to 5 pc to support traditional crafts and the artisans associated with this centuries-old craft.
Bukhari concluded by urging the esteemed members of the GST Council to demonstrate the same spirit of magnanimity and compassion today by rejecting the proposed hike, thus protecting the livelihoods of artisans.
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