Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday urged Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley to consider Gram Seva Sangh’s demand to make all handmade products across the country 0% tax under Goods and Services Tax (GST), even as noted theatre activist Prasanna ended his fast after six days.
The sangh has been spearheading tax denial satyagraha seeking 0% tax for all handmade products, and even took out a 150-km padayatra from Junjappanagudde in Sira taluk of Tumakuru to Kasturba Ashram in Arsikere in Hassan district.
In a letter to Mr. Jaitley, Mr. Siddaramaiah said the representation given by the sangh requires serious and urgent consideration, and a positive resolution. “This would not only benefit a large segment of our rural population but would also give boost to rural employment and sustainability. I, therefore, urge you to take up this issue on a priority basis in the next GST Council meet,” he said.
Earlier, the Chief Minister’s Office had received a report by a 14-member national committee set up by the sangh under the chairmanship of sociologist Ashish Nandy and members, including film-maker Shyam Benegal and Uzramma. The committee identified over 200 handmade products that needs to be brought under 0% GST category, and also defined ‘handmade’.
Citing the committee report, which was released on Tuesday, Mr. Siddaramaiah said: “Imposition of GST on such products has had an adverse effect on the livelihood of artisans.”
He also sought exemption of registration turnover limit of individuals and SHGs producing handmade products to ₹50 lakh.
“We will wait for the next GST Council meeting on November 5. If tax is not withdrawn on handmade products, we will intensify our satyagraha,” Mr. Prasanna said.
