|
GST drives Ganesh idol prices up in Telangana
HYDERABAD: Ganesh
idols have become dearer. The Goods and Service Tax (GST)
on colours, fibre, foam, clay and scrap saw their prices
skyrocketing by 30 per cent to 80 per cent. Mr Sundar
Kalakar, a well-known artist, who gets orders from all
over the country, said, “I used to procure materials
worth Rs 29 lakh every year.
This time, most of the raw
materials, like clay, plaster, foam, steel and fibre
which were not taxed, is having a 18 per cent GST. Last
year, we procured high quality stone plaster at Rs 1,700
per tonne which rose to Rs 2,000 per tonne this year.
Similarly, the cost of
fibre has increased from Rs 4,200 to Rs 5,800 for a
35-kg bag. The colour prices, too, rose by 50 per cent.
Besides, the prices of paints have also increased. All
these led to a rise in expenditure.” |
|
S. Thirupathi Reddy, a Ganesh pandal organiser in
Rajendra Nagar, said, “Last year, we purchased a 10-feet
idol for Rs 5,500 and this year we had to shell out Rs
9,500 for the same idol. Besides, transportation charges
have also increased,” he said.
Mr Ravinder Singh, a vendor at Jummeraat bazaar, said,
“The prices have hiked between 30 per cent to 80 per
cent this year.” Furthermore, the demolition drive on
idol-making units in Dhoolpet, which used to house more
than 100 big and 150 small units, also impacted the
supply in the city.
Due to a land dispute, the Hyderabad Revenue Department
demolished about 50 units six months ago, forcing
artists to get fresh land on lease. These units used to
start work six months before Vinayaka Chaturthi. Due to
the demolitions, production by major units came down
considerably.
Source::: Deccan Chronicle,
dated 24/08/2017.
|