New Delhi, Nov 29 (KNN) As a part of the ongoing protest against the levy of tax on theatre under the new Goods and Services Tax regime, the Grama Seva Sangha recently held a protest concert - Music as the handmade in Bengaluru against GST on handmade products.

The protest was held  at  Ragi  Kana, a Sunday rural market at Gottigere, where artisans sell their handmade products directly to people.

Renowned Carnatic vocalist, T M Krishna protested by singing against GST and also addressed the public. He said that the handmade products can’t be copied, hence they should not be taxed as they symbolize idea of privacy and   freedom of expression.

The Sangha has drawn up a list of over 200 handmade products that should be levied 0 per cent tax. The sangh earlier a protested against the 18 per cent tax under the GST regime on theatre tickets which were earlier considered to be a part of the handmade products-handloom industry and were tax free.

Earlier, talking to KNN, Abhilash, Convenor of the Grama Seva Sangha informed that in the previous taxation, there was no levy on theatres but GST has come as a whammy for the sector.

He explained that theatre is an art and is performed by hands, therefore it must be considered a part of the handmade-handloom sector and the government must consider exemption. (KNN/AG)