Srinagar, Dec 15: President of the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI), Javed Ahmad Tenga, accompanied by Treasurer Zubair Mahajan and Executive Committee Member Lateef Ahmad Bhat, had a meeting with Reenu Lata, Economic Advisor at the Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, in New Delhi.
In a statement issued, KCCI said the Economic Advisor’s attention was invited to Union Commerce Minister’s on the spot orders for establishing Pre-export Pashmina DNA Testing Lab accredited with NABL and WildLife Department at Srinagar/ Delhi where over 95% Pashmina is manufactured.
KCCI has for long been demanding the establishment of Inland Container Depot (ICD) at Srinagar to facilitate the movement of export cargo. “It has gained importance in view of growing international demand for Kashmir Handicrafts/ Horticulture/Agriculture/Floriculture/ spices/wooden & Papier Machie products,” reads the statement.
KCCI in the meeting suggested that a separate HSN CODE be provided to cover Value Added & Pashmina Shawls so that adequate benefits are available to the exporters whose products cost thousands and in some cases lakhs of rupees. These products take many months to complete by hand.
KCCI pleaded that the GST rate on shawls be reduced to a lower 5 % slab. “We understand that it is the mandate of Union Finance Ministry to consider it but given the importance and nodal role your ministry plays for the growth and development of artisanal based shawl and handicrafts sector, the Ministry may consider recommending the case of reducing GST on Shawls from present 12% to 5 %. This step will help in the development and rehabilitation of lacs of artisans who face an uncertain future due to ups and downs experienced by them from time to time.”
