SRINAGAR: The State Government today rolled back the 9.5 per cent hike in the levies on mobile phones, readymade garments and hosiery items following criticism from opposition members and trade bodies.
“Given the demands of the House, the VAT on readymade garments, hosiery and cell phones, which was increased from 5 percent to 14.5 percent, will be rolled back,” Finance Minister Haseeb Drabu said while replying to discussion on Budget in Legislative Assembly here.
The hike in levies, besides some other budget proposals, had attracted the ire of trade bodies in Kashmir and Jammu regions and they had called for a strike on June 4 to protest against these.
Drabu also announced that helicopter services in the State would be exempt from 5 per cent hike in the levy on Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF). (AGENCIES)
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