Tax exemption sought for jewellery making charges

Footwear stores here downed the shutters on Friday in protest against the GST regime coming into effect from July 1.

A.P. Footwear Owners’ Association city president Nageswara Rao termed as ''very high'' the 18% GST on the footwear priced above Rs. 500 and wanted it to be brought down to 12%.

Jewellers’ plea

Meanwhile, Andhra Pradesh Gold Merchants’ Association state convener Thata Prasad welcomed 3% GST on jewellery as it came below the anticipated 5% GST.

However, Mr. Prasad wanted the Centre to withdraw the 5% tax on ornament making charges, which the government did not want them to pass on to customers.

The customers going for purchase of new ornaments in place of old ones should not be taxed under the GST as the levy would mean loss of business for them, he added.