Gau Ke Naam: Supplies Cut & Jobs Slashed in Leather Tanneries

The imposition of GST in India has hit one and all. And the tanneries of Uttar Pradesh have been worst hit. Villagers, in addition to dealing with the constant threats and violence from Gau Rakshaks, have to now also pay taxes to the government. From a monthly business of Rs 10-20,000, how are taxes going to be paid, is most of the villagers' concern. Add to that, the supply of raw leather has also reduced in the tanneries after the ban on cow slaughter. This has left most of the village jobless. Newsclick travels to two tanneries in Hapur and assess the situation there.