Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) senior leader and former minister Naeem Akhtar has strongly opposed the proposed hike in Goods and Services Tax (GST) on Kashmiri shawls from 12% to 28%.
Akhtar warned that such a move would devastate Kashmir’s fragile economy and push thousands of artisans into financial distress.
In a statement, Akhtar called the tax increase a “severe blow” to an already struggling sector.
“This is an attempt to crush the artistic genius of Kashmir under the weight of excessive taxation,” he said. He emphasized the historic significance of shawl making in the region, a craft meticulously preserved over centuries despite challenging circumstances.
“Kashmiri shawl weavers, with their delicate fingers, create masterpieces admired globally. This proposed taxation is an assault on their heritage and a threat to their survival. Families dependent on this craft risk being pushed into starvation,” Akhtar added.
He cautioned that the heavy taxation would make Kashmiri shawls unaffordable, leading to the collapse of the centuries-old industry. Drawing a parallel with the oppressive taxation policies of the Maharaja era, Akhtar questioned if this decision was a deliberate attempt to deepen Kashmir’s economic crisis.
“For over seven centuries, shawl making has been a cornerstone of Kashmir’s cultural identity and economic survival. Imposing such exorbitant taxes would erode this rich heritage and worsen the economic plight of artisans,” he stated.