Srinagar: Former Minister and senior Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader, Naeem Akhtar, has voiced strong opposition to the proposed Goods and Services Tax (GST) hike on Kashmiri shawls from 12% to 28%, warning that such a move would devastate Kashmir’s fragile economy and leave thousands of artisans in distress.
In a statement issued to media, Akhtar described the tax increase as a severe blow to an already struggling sector, calling it an “attempt to crush the artistic genius of Kashmir under the weight of excessive taxation.” He highlighted the historic significance of shawl making in the region, where skilled artisans have meticulously preserved the craft for centuries, despite tumultuous circumstances.
“Kashmiri shawl weavers, with their delicate fingers, create masterpieces admired globally. This proposed taxation is nothing less than an assault on their heritage and a threat to their survival. Families dependent on this craft risk being pushed into starvation,” Akhtar said.
He warned that the heavy taxation would render Kashmiri shawls unaffordable, potentially collapsing the centuries-old industry. “This is akin to reviving the oppressive practices of the despotic Maharaja rule, where shawl makers were crushed under heavy taxation. Are we witnessing a deliberate attempt to plunge Kashmir into deeper crises?” he questioned.
For over seven centuries, the craft of shawl making has been a cornerstone of Kashmir’s cultural identity and economic survival. Akhtar said that imposing such exorbitant taxes would erode this rich heritage and exacerbate the economic woes of thousands of artisans whose livelihoods depend on it.
The PDP leader urged the government to roll back the proposed hike, warning of extreme hardship for the handicraft sector if the decision is not reversed. He said there is a dire need to protect the artisans and preserve the craft, which he described as a “living testimony to Kashmir’s artistic genius and creativity.”
Invoking renowned poet Allama Iqbal: “Ba resham qaba Khwaja az mehnat-e-u; Naseeb-e-tanash jama-e-taar-taare” (By his hard labor, he provides the rich with silk, while he himself wears tatters), Akhtar said that this should not become the reality for Kashmiri artisans and that the government must act now to save this industry and its people. —(KNO)
Decades ago thousands of Kashmiri women spinner & combers in #kashmirvalley lost there livelihood due to ban on Shahtoosh & aftermath of ban KVIB introduced machines manufacturing pashmina products in ladakah region
«Neither were compensated nor rehabilitated
Rest is history
866639 183747Oh my goodness! a great write-up dude. Thanks a whole lot Nonetheless We are experiencing trouble with ur rss . Do not know why Not able to sign up to it. Maybe there is anybody acquiring identical rss difficulty? Anyone who knows kindly respond. Thnkx 703257
Precisely what I was looking for, appreciate it for posting.
You made some nice points there. I looked on the internet for the subject and found most people will approve with your website.
My developer is trying to persuade me to move to .net from PHP. I have always disliked the idea because of the expenses. But he’s tryiong none the less. I’ve been using Movable-type on a variety of websites for about a year and am concerned about switching to another platform. I have heard very good things about blogengine.net. Is there a way I can transfer all my wordpress posts into it? Any help would be greatly appreciated!
I liked as much as you’ll obtain carried out proper here. The caricature is tasteful, your authored subject matter stylish. however, you command get got an shakiness over that you want be delivering the following. in poor health surely come more previously once more as exactly the similar nearly a lot often inside of case you protect this increase.