Archive · 19 Aug 2025
KCCI Seeks GST Reduction on Kashmiri Handicrafts
The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) wants the government to lower the tax (GST) on Kashmiri handicrafts from 12% to 5%.
They argue that the current tax makes these handmade items more expensive, hurting the artisans who make them.
These artisans are often women from poor families.
KCCI points out that handmade carpets already have a lower tax, and they want the same for Kashmiri handicrafts.
They believe reducing the tax will help the industry, bring back exports, create jobs, and protect traditional skills.
KCCI is asking the Finance Minister to consider this change.
KCCI urges Finance Minister to reduce GST on Kashmiri handicrafts to 5%.
The current GST on Kashmiri handicrafts is 12%.
KCCI seeks parity with handmade carpets, which have a 5% GST.
The handicraft sector employs over 3.8 lakh artisans.
KCCI hopes the demand will be considered in the upcoming GST Council meeting.
- Who
- KCCI, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Kashmiri artisans
- What
- KCCI requests reduction of GST on Kashmiri handicrafts.
- When
- Ahead of the Group of Ministers (GoM) meeting scheduled on 20 August.
- Where
- Kashmir
- Why
- To provide relief to artisans, revive exports, generate rural employment, and preserve traditional skills.
KCCI
Finance Ministry (Implied)
Tax Rate
KCCI
12% GST is too high, increasing prices and hurting artisans.
Finance Ministry (Implied)
The provided text does not mention the other side's view on this matter.
- Organization
- Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI)
- Current GST
- 12%
- Requested GST
- 5%
- Handicraft artisans
- 3.8 lakh+
- Handmade carpet GST
- 5%
- KCCI target
- Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman