Murshidabad Bidi Industry Gets GST Relief: Will Workers Benefit?

• Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a reduction in GST for the bidi industry from 28% to 18%, providing relief to owners and workers in Murshidabad.
• This decision comes after a previous proposal to impose a 40% GST on tobacco products, which had caused apprehension among bidi industry stakeholders.
• Murshidabad district has approximately 1.7 million people directly and indirectly involved in the bidi industry, with over 900,000 workers in Jangipur sub-division alone.
• The central government also reduced GST on Kendu (Tendu) leaves, essential for bidi manufacturing, to 5%, which is lower than before.
• Workers are hopeful of receiving fair wages, as factory owners are expected to save money under the new tax structure, addressing previous underpayment issues.

Why It Matters: GST reduction offers relief to Murshidabad's bidi industry, potentially benefiting millions of workers with fair wages.