Former Minister DK Aruna today urged the State Government to exert pressure on the Centre to exempt GST on handloom sector even as the handloom traders in the State are on a three-day protest against the new tax. She expressed concern that the BJP led NDA Regime’s decision to levy tax through GST on the handloom sector which is already in doldrums. Along with some traders of handloom business she met Finance Minister Eetala Rajender at Aruna on Wednesday at Secretariat here.
DK Aruna urged that the state government should mount pressure on the Centre to exempt Goods and Services Tax (GST) on handloom sector. Later talking to media persons the former minister said that the handloom workers and weavers are facing almost life and death problem in the state due to the policies of the Government. Since GST regime is to have its adverse impact on the production and sale of handloom clothes the government should not try to levy tax on it she said. She further opposed the GST plan as it will hamper the interests of the handloom traders and weavers and workers.
Aruna felt that there was no such tax on the handloom products. GST to be effective from July 1, will add to the woes of the traders and workers in the handloom sector she expressed concern. Aruna extended support that the traders of handloom clothes are on three day protest. The Centre should focus on resolving the issue and help the handloom workers and traders get relaxed from the new GST regime. (NSS)