Job Cuts, Cash Crunch, All Because Of GST, Say Kashmir's Carpet Traders

Nazir Ahmad Dar's livelihood is literally hanging by a thread. The carpet-weaver who lives on the outskirts of Srinagar is under distress after the national sales tax GST was implemented in Kashmir valley. He had to shut over 20 looms. Out of 100 weavers working with him, 85 have already lost their job. Reason: the 50-year-old loom owner has not got a single order for the last three months. "100 weavers were working with me. Now, there are only 15. It's because after GST, not a single customer or order has come," Mr Dar said. Carpet and other handicraft items had been tax free in Kashmir valley, but weavers will have to pay 12 per cent tax under the Goods and Services Tax. The national sales tax was implemented on July 1 this year.