Dec 21, 2024 05:06 AM IST
Peoples Democratic Celebration chief Naeem Akhtar described the tax improve as a extreme blow to an already struggling sector, calling it an “attempt to crush the artistic genius of Kashmir under the weight of excessive taxation.”
Former minister and senior Peoples Democratic Celebration (PDP) chief Naeem Akhtar on Friday voiced sturdy opposition to the proposed items and providers tax (GST) hike on Kashmiri shawls from 12% to twenty-eight%, warning that such a transfer would devastate Kashmir’s fragile financial system and go away hundreds of artisans in misery.
Peoples Democratic Celebration chief Naeem Akhtar warned that the heavy taxation would render Kashmiri shawls unaffordable, doubtlessly collapsing the centuries-old business. (HT File)
In a press release, Akhtar described the tax improve as a extreme blow to an already struggling sector, calling it an “attempt to crush the artistic genius of Kashmir under the weight of excessive taxation.” He highlighted the historic significance of scarf making within the area, the place expert artisans have meticulously preserved the craft for hundreds of years, regardless of tumultuous circumstances.
“Kashmiri shawl weavers, with their delicate fingers, create masterpieces admired globally. This proposed taxation is nothing less than an assault on their heritage and a threat to their survival. Families dependent on this craft risk being pushed into starvation,” Akhtar mentioned.
He warned that the heavy taxation would render Kashmiri shawls unaffordable, doubtlessly collapsing the centuries-old business. “This is akin to reviving the oppressive practices of the despotic Maharaja rule, where shawl makers were crushed under heavy taxation. Are we witnessing a deliberate attempt to plunge Kashmir into deeper crises?” he questioned.
For over seven centuries, the craft of scarf making has been a cornerstone of Kashmir’s cultural id and financial survival. Akhtar mentioned that imposing such exorbitant taxes would erode this wealthy heritage and exacerbate the financial woes of hundreds of artisans whose livelihoods rely upon it.
The PDP chief urged the federal government to roll again the proposed hike, warning of utmost hardship for the handicraft sector if the choice is just not reversed. He mentioned there’s a dire want to guard the artisans and protect the craft, which he described as a “living testimony to Kashmir’s artistic genius and creativity.”