Altaf Bukhari opposes proposed GST hike on textiles

Srinagar, Dec 8: Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari has expressed concern over the proposed GST hike of up to 28% on textiles. The proposal emerged from a recent meeting of the Group of Ministers (GoM), chaired by Bihar's Deputy Chief Minister, Mr. Samrat Chaudhary. It is slated for consideration during the 55th GST Council meeting, scheduled for December 21.

In his statement, Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari said that the massive hike would adversely impact the traditional industries of Kashmiri shawls, crewel, and other traditional textiles.

He said, “The proposed GST hike of up to 28% on textiles, if implemented, would severely impact the livelihoods of poor artisans, particularly those involved in weaving shawls, crewel, and other traditional textiles in the Kashmir Valley. I strongly urge the Union Government not to approve this proposal in the larger interest of the artisan community.”

Regarding the proposed GST hike on textiles, Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari, a former Finance Minister of J&K, has received a representation from the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), urging him to take up the matter with the central government.

In its representation, the KCCI stated that the GoM has proposed a significant increase in the GST rate on textiles. Items priced between Rs 1,500 and Rs 10,000 would be taxed at 18%, while textiles priced above Rs 10,000 would fall under the highest GST slab of 28%. This hike would not only impose a financial burden but also deliver a devastating blow to an already fragile economic ecosystem.

The prestigious business organisation said that Kashmir’s traditional textile items provides direct and indirect employment to over 2.5 lakh artisans, with many of them being women and individuals from marginalized communities.

“If the GST rate is increased to 28%, the resultant rise in product price will render these goods unaffordable to a large section of consumers, both domestic and international. This will drastically reduce demand, directly affecting production and sales. The ensuing slowdown in the industry will force many artisans into unemployment, undermining years of effort to promote and sustain the sector,” the representation reads.