Omar Abdullah Confirms Proposed GST Hike on Kashmiri Shawls Was Not Taken Up at GST Council Meeting
J&K CM Omar Abdullah Stresses Commitment to Protect Pashmina Industry Amid GST Concerns
Jaisalmer, Dec 21: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah addressed concerns surrounding the proposed Goods and Services Tax (GST) hike on Kashmir Shawls, stating that the issue was thankfully not brought up during the 55th GST Council meeting held in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. The meeting, chaired by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, saw discussions on various tax reforms, but the proposed hike on Pashmina shawls was deferred.
Omar Abdullah, speaking to reporters in Jaisalmer, said, “There was speculation that GST on Pashmina shawls might be increased, but thankfully, that issue wasn’t taken up during the meeting. We were prepared to ensure that such a hike would not be considered, as it would have had severe repercussions for the Pashmina shawl industry in Kashmir.”
The Chief Minister emphasized the importance of preserving the region’s rich artisanal heritage, stressing that any GST increase would have posed a significant threat to the livelihood of hundreds of artisans dependent on this traditional craft. “Any hike in GST on Kashmiri shawls would have been detrimental to the Pashmina industry. Thankfully, we’ve managed to prevent that for now,” he added.
Earlier, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti had urged Omar Abdullah to clarify the government’s stance on the proposed GST hike, expressing concerns about its potential impact on the region’s art and artisan communities. “Raising GST by 28% would have been devastating for our Pashmina industry,” Mufti said. “Efforts to destroy our culture through GST hikes and development projects on horticulture land will only harm the artisans who have kept these traditions alive.”
Mufti urged the NC-led government to take swift action to protect the livelihoods of Kashmiri artisans and expressed hope that Omar Abdullah would prioritize the concerns raised by the artisans.
In response, Omar Abdullah assured that the government remains committed to safeguarding the Pashmina shawl industry, recognizing its crucial role in sustaining the cultural heritage of Jammu and Kashmir.
