Hanging by a Thread: Why Varanasi’s Powerloom Industry Has Uncertain Future in GST Age
A shadow has fallen over the shining threads of legendary weavers of Varanasi with the imposition of 5% Goods & Services Tax (GST) on textiles, including handlooms that were earlier exempt from taxes. Before this, they had to bear the brunt of demonetisation.
While the Centre has still not considered lifting the GST on handlooms, the century-old industry of the holy city, which is represented by PM Narendra Modi, is on the verge of a collapse.
This is an unorganised sector where 75% of the weavers are illiterate and do not have any other skill to survive.
NewsClick spoke to them to know their plight ...
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