Mangaluru: Trade Unions Urge GST Council to Reduce Tax on Beedis

Raffi shared that a delegation had already met with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda regarding the matter. The Chief Minister directed the Revenue Minister to review the situation and take necessary action. “We met with CM Siddaramaiah, Assembly Speaker UT Khader, and Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda, who represents the state in the GST Council, to highlight the dire situation of the beedi industry,” Raffi said. “We requested that the GST on beedis be reduced to 5%, similar to other cottage industries and handmade products.”

Raffi further noted that the beedi sector has been a crucial source of income for nearly two lakh people in Dakshina Kannada, with many relying on it for their livelihoods. The high GST rate, he said, has created immense difficulties for workers and the industry as a whole. He emphasized that the beedi sector is unique and distinct from other manufacturing industries, and the current tax rate is disproportionately affecting its viability.

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