Crafts in J&K reduce GST? This is promised by Trade Union Minister Piyush Goyal
Union Minister Piyush Goyal said on Sunday (July 6) that he recommended reducing the Goods and Services Tax (GST) for handicrafts and handloom products to support the sector in Jamu and Kashmir.
The minister said the matter was brought up by some delegations from FTII: Traders Conference – 2025 in Srinagar.
Goyal advised them to submit a formal request to the Ministry of Finance and assured them that they would work to reduce the GST rate for these items from 12% to 5%.
The minister said this step would help promote the handicraft industry and handloom industry, especially in Jamu and Kashmir.
Goyal said in another update on social media platform X that he had a detailed discussion with Jamu and Kashmir’s MSME development forum. They discussed various suggestions for strengthening local businesses, including steps to improve MSMES competitiveness, simplify business processes and better connect them to national supply chains.
He will also meet with members of the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and industry to discuss ways to empower local industries, promote economic growth and create a more friendly environment.
In addition, the Minister met with representatives of the Jammu-Kashmir Fruit and Vegetable Processing and Integrated Cold Chain Association (JKPICCA) of Srinagar. He said they discussed strategies to support industrial development in the cold chain and agricultural processing sectors, which are crucial to strengthening the agricultural economy in the region and increasing exports.
Here are the highlights that the minister said during his event:
- Packaging units need to be built that use modern design and technology to promote local products such as handicrafts, gardening projects, Pashmina shawls and handlooms.
- The center of packaging and design excellence will soon be established in Jamu and Kashmir.
- Officials are asked to work with the Indian Packaging Institute to start a project aimed at improving the quality of packaging and design. The appropriate location of the center is currently being determined.
- NTPC and solar companies will be spoken to to explore the possibility of establishing solar lighting or power generation facilities in the region. The program will help manufacturers mark their goods as environmentally friendly and potentially enable them to get higher prices in international markets.
- Discussion on establishing another center of excellence aimed at improving storage technology, cold chain infrastructure, and supporting new startups and entrepreneurs.
