GST: J&K is looking at a tourist refund policy, says state FM Haseeb Drabu

Jammu & Kashmir will be ready for a July 1 GST rollout and awareness will be spread among traders

Jammu and Kashmir will be ready for a July 1 rollout of the goods and services tax (GST) and awareness will be spread amongst traders, Haseeb Drabu, the state’s finance minister, tells Dilasha Seth, at the GST Council meeting in Srinagar. Edited excerpts:

What exemptions has J&K asked for under GST, besides handicrafts and handlooms?

We are looking at a tourist refund policy. We need to get that system in place — all countries that have a GST provide refunds to tourists. But, our more important concern is handicrafts, the backbone of our economy. Hopefully, we will build a consensus