Srinagar, July 6 -- Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Sunday promised to recommend a reduction in the Goods and Services Tax imposed on handicrafts and handloom products to help promote the sector in Jammu and Kashmir.

Addressing the FTII: Traders Conclave - 2025 in Srinagar, the Union Minister said, "The issue of GST levied on handicrafts and handlooms was brought to my attention by two or three system delegations. I have suggested that they submit an application regarding this matter to the Finance Ministry as well as to me so that we can explore what relief can be provided. We will try to reduce the GST rate from 12 per cent to 5 per cent on these items, which would help promote the handloom and handicraft sectors -...