Jaipur: Ever since the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) was announced, protests have broken out across India. From textile traders to theatre owners, several groups have taken to the streets in cities like Surat, Jaipur, and Kolkata, while in states such as Tamil Nadu and Rajasthan, entire industries have demanded a complete or partial rollback of the new tax regime. But in Jaipur, a rather unique protest has emerged — led by sculptors.
On July 5, hundreds of sculptors under the banner of Moortikala Sangharsh Samiti marched through the streets, protesting against idols made by them being brought under GST. Protesters dressed as gods, goddesses, and priests carried striking slogans such as “Kasam Ram Ki Khatey Hain, Milkar GST Hatayenge” (We swear in the name of Ram, together we will force GST to be rolled back). They argued that taxing idols of gods amounted to an attack on Hinduism.
Adding to their frustration was confusion over the tax slab. Initially, sculptors were told that their products would attract a 28% GST, but later this was revised to 12%. “Irrespective of the slab, we want a complete rollback,” said Satya Prakash Natha, spokesperson of the Samiti. The rally concluded at the Jaipur collectorate, where a memorandum demanding rollback of GST on idols was submitted.
This was the second such protest by sculptors in Jaipur, following a chetawani (warning) rally on July 3.
