Implication of GST on GI Tag Products: Special Reference to Aranmula Mirror

Abstract

Aranmula Kannadi, an indigenous hand-made mirror from Aranmula in Kerala is embattled by controversies surrounding its Geographical Indication (GI) tag and the effect of goods and services tax (GST) in India. GST which initially was 20 per cent and later reduced to 12 per cent has increased production costs due to escalating prices of inputs such as tin and copper, while lack of Government backing has led to the contraction in the market. This research study probes how GST impacts Aranmula Kannadi with reference to taxonomy, incentives and changes that must be made for sustainable development of the art as well as its traditional values.