Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari, the president of the Apni Party, has urged Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to reject a 28 per cent increase in the GST on textiles.
In a post on X, Bukhari said that he strongly believes that the proposed 28 per cent GST raise on textiles should not be authorised since the GST Council, led by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, is now holding its 55th meeting in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan.
He believes that approving such an increase would have a detrimental effect on the livelihoods of many craftsmen since it would significantly affect the markets for Kashmiri shawls, crewel work, and other traditional textiles.
He went on to say that it is important to remember that in order to encourage traditional crafts and craftsmen, the GST Council lowered the tax on handmade carpets and related goods from 12 per cent to 5 per cent in 2018. He urged the distinguished members of this highest authority to reject the planned raise and defend the livelihoods of Kashmiri artisans today in the same spirit of generosity and compassion.
