Despite the Finance Minister’s promise of keeping Kashmir handicrafts tax free, the government has brought it under the new Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime. In GST list of goods and services, handicrafts have been taxed at 12 percent and come under Integrated State Goods and Service Tax (IGST) category. According to the Handicraft department, Jammu Kashmir has 20 lakh artisans, who would be impacted with this decision. Noted Kashmiri economist, Nisar Ali said, “Bringing the handicrafts under taxation will be a big jolt to the already declining industry.” He…
Read MoreKashmir handicrafts to incur 12% GST
