Weavers protest against GST

Belagavi, July 17 :  Members of Belagavi District Weavers Association (BDWA) today took out bike rally and staged protest in front of Deputy Commissioner's office opposing imposition of Goods and Service Tax (GST) on textile products including handloom and powerloom products. BWDA President Bhujang Patil, speaking to newsmen here, alleged that government had been imposing 5 per cent GST on weavers products including saris. Until now there was no tax on traditional Indian attire of women folk, the levying of taxes on handloom and power loom products ultimately created burden on weavers who are already experiencing financial crises due to slow down in industry and due to decline in demand for the products. "Our Saris Produced in Belagavi are real reflection of Indian culture and all women wear saris, hence before levying tax on such products government should have knowledge on the such products, they alleged. An 18 per cent tax has already been imposed on the raw material the further 5 per cent tax on finished products result in increase in prices of the cloths, he added. He said that due to heavy amount of tax product marketing has become difficult and it affects the weaver community. Mr Patil said that the Association may have to intensify agitation if government fails to withdraw hike. Many organizations including Silk Sari Traders, Cloth Merchant Association and others supported and took part in the protest rally. UNI