Naveen writes to Modi; seeks GST exemption on Handloom & Handicraft

KalingaTV News Network

Bhubaneswar: Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik has written a letter to PM Narendra Modi requesting him to exempt handloom and handicraft products from GST.

The CM in his letter, drew PM’s attention towards the fact that Odisha houses over 3.5 lakh weavers and artisan families. They earn their livelihood from handlooms and handicrafts.

Following the imposition of GST of 5% on handloom fabric and 12% on handloom apparels as well as 12-18% on handicraft, these families are facing a lot of problems, writes the CM.

“Although my Finance Minister strongly argued in favour of GST exemption on the above items, it was not agreed to. It may adversely impact the lives of poor families dependent upon the production of these goods”, he added.

” I would, therefore, urge that this issue needs urgent reconsideration in the GST Council for extending GST exemption on these products in the interest of the weavers and artisans”, CM Naveen requests PM Modi.