GST hike on shawls will destroy Kashmiri art: Mehbooba Mufti
Srinagar: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti has strongly criticized the proposed 28 percent Goods and Services Tax (GST) hike on textiles, warning it will devastate Kashmir’s rich artistic heritage, particularly shawls and handicrafts.
According to Kashmir Media Service, Mehbooba Mufti while speaking to the reporters in Srinagar said that increasing the GST by 28 percent in Kashmir will lead to the end of our art. She said that efforts are being made to destroy it through development claims on horticulture land and by imposing GST on shawls and handicrafts. These
Mehbooba Mufti said these industries have kept IIOJK afloat during difficult times. She also urged the Chief Minister of the occupied territory to take action and solve the problems of the people.
Her comments come amid growing opposition to the GST hike, which many fear will harm Kashmir’s traditional textile and craft industries, threatening the livelihoods of countless artisans and small businesses.
The proposed tax increase is currently under discussion at the GST Council’s 55th meeting in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, India.
