DeMo, GST crippled unorganised sectors of economy: Tarigami

JAMMU: Veteran legislator M Y Tarigami of the CPI(M) said today that demonetisation and implementation of GST crippled the unorganised sector of the economy in Jammu and Kashmir.
Initiating a discussion on the Budget in the Assembly here, he alleged that the two steps only led to "job losses", contrary to the government claims that the measures helped in curbing corruption and blackmoney.
"The implementation of GST, which was introduced with much fanfare, has not only increased burdens on the people but has also undermined the federal structure," Tarigami alleged.
"GST put new burdens on people, small enterprises, traders and the unorganised sector," he said.
He said the state's economy is projected to grow at 6.9 per cent in 2018-19, which is less than the 8.5 per cent growth rate estimated for 2017-18.
The legislator said agriculture and allied sectors have also faced the brunt. "It seems it is not a priority for the government and, as such, government has not allotted suitable budgetary support to this sector (in the Budget)," he said.
He said no budgetary provision was made for artisans and urged the government to act in this regard.