Jaisalmer, Dec 21: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has confirmed that the suggested GST increase on Kashmir Shawls was not discussed during the 55th GST Council meeting. This meeting took place in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, on Saturday, under the leadership of Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.
In a statement that reassured local artisans, Abdullah mentioned, “We reached the meeting with the intention of ensuring that a GST hike on shawls, especially Pashmina shawls, wouldn’t happen.” He emphasized that any increase in tax on Kashmiri shawls would have severely impacted the Pashmina shawl sector.
“Fortunately, this issue was not raised, and we will strive to prevent similar considerations in the future, as such actions could jeopardize our Pashmina shawl industry,” CM Abdullah stated.
Prior to the meeting, Peoples Democratic Party leader Mehbooba Mufti had appealed to Abdullah to clarify his stance on the potential GST increase for Kashmiri Shawls.
“Raising GST to 28% in the heart of Kashmir will inevitably lead to the demise of our traditional art. Development activities on horticulture land and the imposition of GST on handicrafts threaten to obliterate our cultural heritage. These crafts have sustained Jammu and Kashmir through challenging times,” Mufti asserted. She expressed hope that the NC government would address artisans’ concerns.
“I urge Omar Sahab: what steps are you taking to protect our heritage? How will you respond to the impending 28% GST increase? I hope he will prioritize these issues and work to resolve them for the people,” she added. (Agencies)
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