Industry demands exemption of Kashmiri handicrafts from GST

Srinagar, July 20 (KNN) Due to lack of logistic support in absence of a dry port the Industry body of Kashmir has urged the government to exempt Kashmiri handicrafts from GST.

The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) on Tuesday raised this issue with government officials.

President of KCCI Sheikh Ashiq Ahmed leading a delegation held an interactive meeting with Vivek Bhardwaj, additional chief secretary, Industries & Commerce in Srinagar. 

It has also demanded to be acknowledge the specific region with the tag of Special Economic Zone and provide all kind of benefits to Kashmiri Handicrafts.

Referring to Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal’s visit to Srinagar last year in October, the KCCI leaders demanded immediate implementation of the announcement made by the Minister about setting up of Carpet Village as a demonstration centre of the local craft to visiting tourists and also promote the local carpet industry globally.

This carpet village should be provided with all common facility centers wherein design development, dying, washing, bank facilities, and packing, said the representatives.

Pressing on UAE as an important hub for the business sector from J&K, KCCI demanded the restoration of direct flights from Srinagar International Airport to Sharjah/ Dubai.  (KNN Bureau)