BRS MLC Ramana urges President to scrap GST on handloom sector

BRS MLC L Ramana has written to President Droupadi Murmu, demanding immediate removal of GST on handloom products and raw materials. Highlighting the impact of tax hikes on lakhs of artisan families, he called the move unconstitutional and urged revival of the All India Handloom Board.

Hyderabad: BRS MLC L Ramana urged the President of India to remove GST on the handloom sector immediately. He urged the Centre to implement zero GST on handloom products and raw materials, revive the All India Handloom Board, and ensure workers’ participation in policy decisions.

In a letter to President Droupadi Murmu, Ramana explained the plight of lakhs of families dependent on handlooms. He said that the five per cent GST imposed on raw materials since 2017, and the recent hike to 18 per cent on finished products, have crippled the sector. He termed the decision as unconstitutional as it was taken without consulting workers.

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Calling handlooms vital to India’s cultural heritage and rural economy, he cautioned that unless the tax burden is eased, the sector could struggle to survive. He urged urgent intervention to protect livelihoods and safeguard India’s handloom culture.