Industry representatives welcome decision to postpone GST hike on textile products

Gujarat State Finance Minister Kanu Desai, who was present in the GST council meeting held in Delhi, told The Indian Express over phone, “The proposed GST duty hike on textile products has been postponed.

After consultation, a report will be prepared and later it will be produced and a decision will be taken in the next GST council meeting in February 2022.”

State BJP president C R Paatil also welcomed the Centre’s decision. “I had met the union finance minister twice requesting her not hike the GST duty. During my meetings with the finance minster, we tried to convince her about the adverse effect of the hike on small players…” Paatil said.

After the announcement, the traders and weavers were seen celebrating by burning firecrackers and distributing sweets to fellow traders.

Federation of Surat Textile Traders Association president Manoj Agrawal said, “The decision has brought second Diwali to the industry. We will write a letter to the Union finance minister thanking her.”

Federation of Gujarat Weavers Association president Ashok Jirawala said, “We want the GST council to consult and hear us before coming to any decision in the next GST meeting to be held at the end of February 2022.”