Sajad Lone slams GST hike on handmade Kashmiri shawls

Srinagar, Dec 20: Jammu and Kashmir People’s Conference (JKPC) president and MLA Handwara, Sajad Lone on Friday strongly opposed the recent increase in GST on handmade Kashmiri shawls, terming it an “oversight” with potentially devastating consequences for artisans and the centuries-old shawl industry.
Lone underscored the cultural and historical significance of the Kashmiri shawl, describing it as more than a mere product. “The Kashmiri shawl embodies our history and serves as an ambassador of our artistry. It provides livelihood to thousands of skilled artisans,” he said.
Highlighting the broader economic realities, Lone said that handmade shawls represent a rare human skill at a time when machines and artificial intelligence dominate industries. “In an era where machines drive production and AI threatens human jobs, these skilled hands are a rare relic and still economically competitive. Why are we eroding their competitiveness by subjecting them to higher GST tax brackets?” he questioned.
The MLA warned that the increased taxation would inevitably reduce demand, shrink supply and push many skilled artisans into unemployment. “Higher taxes would mean lower demand and, consequently, lower production. Thousands of skilled artisans will face unemployment. Such policies will deal a severe blow to the entire industry,” he asserted.
Appealing to policymakers, the JKPC chief urged the government to reconsider and restore the lowest GST tax bracket for handmade Kashmiri shawls. “This fragile cottage industry needs encouragement and support, not economic burdens. Our artisans are the guardians of an art form that defines Kashmir’s identity. We must protect them and ensure their craft remains economically viable,” he said.