According to several city-based kite sellers, the market, which saw a downfall last year due to demonetisation has gone further down as the overall prices have increased
Jaipur kite market is experiencing a slump this season due to several seasons including implementation of five per cent Goods and Services Tax (GST) on kites and strings. According to several city-based kite sellers, the market, which saw a downfall last year due to demonetization has gone further down as the overall prices have increased, and, the overall interest for kite flying in the coming generation has diminished.
“There should not be any tax on kites as it does not have a huge turnover. There was no tax on kites until last year. Furthermore, the overall craze for the festival has gone down significantly as the younger generation does not have enough time to devote and are not interested in physical activities. Children prefer spending time on cell phones,” said Irfan Ahmed, owner, Kishanpole Bazar-based kite shop.
“My son is in the 12th standard. His pre-boards are starting from Monday. He will, hence, not be able to enjoy the festival,” said Rajesh Lohadia, businessman. The sellers also claim that the overall cost of raw material has increased and the tax procedure turned complex as not all intermediaries are registered under GST.
“The paper used for kite making has about 12 per cent GST applied to it. However, the customers do not want to pay the increased price, they ask for rates applied last year. What will the seller do? They end up compromising on their margin,” informed Mohd. Firoz, owner, city-based kite shop. The kite sales on the previous weekend, just a week prior to the festival, were almost insignificant, Firoz informed. Mohd Shabbir, a city-based kite maker further informed that there has been a decrease of about 20 per cent in the overall orders of kites this season.
Decrease in orders
- The sellers also claim that the overall cost of raw material has increased and the tax procedure turned complex as not all intermediaries are registered under Goods & Service Tax.
- The kite sales on the previous weekend, just a week prior to the festival, were almost insignificant, Firoz informed. Mohd Shabbir, a city-based kite maker further informed that there has been a decrease of about 20 per cent in the overall orders of kites this season.
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