MSMEs in Kashmir valley struggle to file GST with no internet

Srinagar, Nov 25 (KNN) The Kashmir Traders and Manufacturers Federation (KTMF) has said traders associated with the federation will not file Goods and Service Tax (GST) returns since there is no internet facility available in Kashmir valley.

While reacting to circular of Sales Tax Department (STD) issued on Friday, General secretary of the KTMF Bashir Ahmad said it is not possible for the traders of Kashmir valley to file their GST returns as internet since August 5, when centre scrapped Article 370 and 35 A, besides divided the state into two Union Territories (UTs).

“There are thousands of traders in the valley and it is not possible for everyone to stand in long queues and file their returns,” Bashir said on Saturday, over STD’s order to   file their returns in the office of respective Deputy Commissioners in the valley from November 25 to 30.

He further informed, KTMF has directed all traders not to file GST returns till internet facilities are restored in the valley. When trader purchases goods, he or she is paying GST on the spot, he said, adding similarly when a manufacturer sells anything he deducts GST from the trader and later deposits it accordingly.

''KTMF is not against GST or filing returns but, without internet is it not possible to file returns. The department issued the order to traders without even providing them the basic facility to file the returns,'' he asserted.

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