Srinagar, Feb 23: The President of the Kashmir Trade Alliance, Aijaz Shahdhar in a press statement has expressed dismay at what he called the Government's “discriminatory approach towards business fraternity,” demanding extension of the GST waiver till June 2021.

“It is common knowledge that the pandemic has brought the day to day businesses and economic activities to a grinding halt in Kashmir. Because of the successive lockdowns and curbs on the internet, the traders could not avail the amnesty, announced until the cut-off date of October 2020, on their GST returns and could not file their GSTR 3B and annual returns either.

We therefore reiterate our demand of extending the cut-off date for the waiver up to June, 2021. We also request the GST Council to waive off the late fee for all pending returns. This will give a breather to the business fraternity in these hard times,” he said.

Meanwhile, reacting to the strike by the transporters in Kashmir, Shahdhar said that the government should resolve the issue with the transporters in a spirit of mutual understanding and respect. “We request the administration to resolve the grievances of the transporters, so that the people do not have to face any hardship,” he added.