New Delhi, Aug 4 (KNN) The Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Punjab are seeking exemption for the unorganized work sector, responding to which the State government has assured taking the matter with the GST council in the upcoming GST Council meeting.

Talking to KNN, Sanjay Bhatia, Joint Secretary of Chamber of Industrial and Commercial Undertakings (CICU) explained the situation.

He said that the firms that fall under the non-excise units are facing a lot of problems because of the GST on the work force. He further informed that the sector engages unskilled and semi-skilled work force. A tax on them is both against the industry and also against the interest of the poor worker.

“The industry in the state is already facing the implication of the new tax regime. While GST in the long run is beneficial for the country, certain revisions such as this one needs to be considered” said Bhatia.

Also there have been reports of Punjab Finance Minister Manpreet Badal making a list of the concerns from the different sectors of the industry with regard to the GST. This includes exemption demand from the textile industry on embroidery work, button manufacturing operations etc.

These demands are likely to be tabled at the first GST council meeting post implementation, scheduled on August 5. (KNN/ DA)