The Opposition parties raised their voice against the impact of Goods and Services Tax (GST) on textile industry during the Zero Hour in Rajya Sabha on Thursday. They highlighted the issues being faced by the industry due to implementation of the new tax regime.
Many of the opposition members demanded that the textile sector should be kept out of the purview of GST. They also raised issues relating to the recent strike by textile traders in Gujarat and other parts of the country and their impact on the industry.
A member of the parliament from Telangana expressed concern over the excessive slabs of GST rolled out this month. The MP also highlighted the grievances of handloom, power loom and textile sectors known for employing around 70 lakh people in the country.
The textile sector needs to be protected in view of its glory, emphasized the MP. The strike by West Bengal traders and its impact on the industry was also part of the discussion in Rajya Sabha.
“The complexity of GST rules, the problem in maintaining GST audit and registration process has hit business and jobs of Ostagar (tailors),” reportedly said Ritabrata Banerjee, a CPI member from West Bengal.
Also Read – GST Strikes: Textile industry, workers suffer due to nationwide protests
Most of the busy textile markets in India such as Burrabazar in Kolkata, Bhilwara, the textile hub of Rajasthan; and Surat, the man-made fibre (MMF) hub; have worn a deserted look as the textile traders have been busy protesting against the Centre over GST. Gujarat, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Odisha have also faced a similar business situation since the implementation of GST.