DH NEWS SERVICE
jammu, Sept 16
A deputation of the All Jammu and Kashmir Bag Association today called on J&K BJP President Sat Sharma (CA) at the party headquarters, Trikuta Nagar, Jammu, and submitted a memorandum requesting revision of Goods and Services Tax (GST) on school bags.
J&K BJP General Secretary Sanjita Dogra, District Presidents Adv. Rajesh Gupta, and Rajeev Pandita and other party leaders were also present on the occasion.
The deputation, representing Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) engaged in the manufacturing and supply of school and college bags, highlighted that while essential educational items such as books, stationery, shoes, tiffin boxes and water bottles fall under the 5% GST category, school bags remain excluded and are taxed higher. They stressed that school bags are indispensable educational utility items and largely cater to students and middle-class families, a highly price-sensitive segment.
The Association pointed out that over 70% of bag manufacturers belong to the MSME sector, providing employment to thousands of skilled and unskilled workers, including women and rural artisans. They appealed that a reduction in GST would not only make school bags more affordable for families but also help sustain this labour-intensive industry, promote Make in India, Sarv Shiksha Abhiyan and Atmanirbhar Bharat, and allow domestic manufacturers to compete effectively with low-cost imports from neighboring countries.
While interacting with the deputation, Sat Sharma appreciated the concerns raised and said that the Modi government has always remained sensitive to the aspirations of the people. He stated that the GST reforms under present government have already brought relief to people’s pockets, and the issues raised will certainly receive sympathetic consideration at appropriate forum. He further assured that the matter will be taken up with the concerned quarters for review, keeping in mind the wider interest of students, parents, and the MSME sector.
