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United News of India
18 minutes ago
- Entertainment
- United News of India
Celebrities rally ahead of International Day of Yoga 2025
New Delhi, June 10 (UNI) As India gears up to celebrate International Day of Yoga on June 21, 2025, a diverse array of influential personalities — from politicians and retired bureaucrats to celebrated actors and motivational speakers — are championing yoga's vital role in everyday life. Former Puducherry Governor and IPS officer Dr Kiran Bedi eloquently described yoga as 'another word for self-care and social care,' inspiring the youth to reconnect with India's profound wellness legacy. Acclaimed actor Anupam Kher urged everyone through a heartfelt video message to 'Celebrate the D Day,' while veteran star Anil Kapoor took to social media platform 'X' to declare, 'Yoga inspires, heals, and unites. Let's embrace a healthier today and tomorrow through the spirit of Yoga Mahotsav.' Wrestler and motivational speaker Sangram Singh emphasised yoga as a powerful union of body, mind, and spirit that alleviates stress and anxiety by reconnecting us to nature. Cultural icons also shared their heartfelt reflections: singer Kailash Kher celebrated yoga's global acclaim as India's timeless gift, and legendary classical dancer Sonal Mansingh hailed it as a lifelong journey towards spiritual enlightenment, said a statement from the Union Ayush Ministry. Actor Manoj Joshi encouraged integrating yoga and Ayurvedic wisdom into today's fast-paced lives for enhanced physical and mental well-being. Fitness icon Shilpa Shetty echoed this call on 'X,' stating, 'Yoga nurtures harmony — within and all around us' while popular actress Rakul Preet Singh added on Instagram, 'From ancient India to the global stage, yoga continues to inspire, heal, and unite.' Adding momentum to the movement, the Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Association of India (FHRAI) has announced large-scale yoga events to mark IDY-2025. Payal Swami, Assistant Secretary General of FHRAI, expressed the association's commitment to the government's vision of a healthier, greener, and more mindful society. 'Through these collaborative efforts, FHRAI aims to amplify yoga as a way of life—deeply rooted in Indian tradition yet universally relevant in today's world.' These influential voices have reignited nationwide enthusiasm for yoga ahead of June 21, inspiring millions — especially younger, digital-savvy audiences — to embrace yoga not merely as exercise but as a holistic lifestyle. An official from the Union Ayush Ministry said this collective outreach is fueling excitement as India celebrates a decade of the International Day of Yoga, reaffirming yoga as a vibrant celebration of life, balance, and well-being. So far this year, over 50,000 organizations nationwide have registered to host Yoga Sangam events on the D-Day, setting a new record for collective participation. Leading the charge is Rajasthan, with more than 11,000 organizations signing up, followed by Telangana with over 7,000 registrations, and Madhya Pradesh close behind with nearly 5,000. The theme for 2025, 'Yoga for One Earth, One Health,' resonates as a powerful call for global unity and well-being. Prestigious institutions such as IITs, IIMs, and Central Universities, along with numerous corporations and private sector participants, are enthusiastically joining the movement, demonstrating their commitment to promoting wellness on a worldwide scale, said the statement.
Time of India
20-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Linking F&B taxation to room tariffs is operationally challenging for hotel industry: FHRAI's K Syama Raju
As India aims to become the world's third-largest tourism destination by 2047, its diversity, culture, and cuisine will play a crucial role in achieving this goal, says K. Syama Raju, President, Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI), which represents 60,000 hotels and 500,000 restaurants . Since its inception in 1955, FHRAI has been working closely with government and policymaking bodies for the growth of the tourism and hospitality sector in the country. In an interview with ET Digital, K Syama Raju , President of FHRAI, talks about India positioning itself as a world-class tourism destination, why sustainability is becoming an indispensable part of the hospitality industry, the delinking of food GST from hotel room tariffs , and more. Edited excerpts: Economic Times Online (ET): FHRAI has recently urged the government to delink GST on food and beverages from hotel room rents. Can you explain how this delinking is currently impacting hotel restaurants and what operational challenges it creates? Play Video Pause Skip Backward Skip Forward Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration 0:00 Loaded : 0% 0:00 Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 1x Playback Rate Chapters Chapters Descriptions descriptions off , selected Captions captions settings , opens captions settings dialog captions off , selected Audio Track Picture-in-Picture Fullscreen This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. 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Syama Raju (KSR): FHRAI has urged the government to delink GST on food and beverages from hotel room tariffs due to the operational challenges it creates. Currently, when a hotel's room tariff exceeds Rs 7,500 per night, the GST rate on food and beverages (F&B) served in the hotel restaurant increases from 5% to 18%. This linkage discourages hotels from pricing rooms above Rs 7,500, as it leads to a higher GST on food and beverage sales, which can deter guests. The operational challenges include inconsistent GST rates that vary with fluctuating room tariffs, leading to confusion for both hotel management and guests. Additionally, last-minute price adjustments to room rates can lead to higher GST rates on food and beverages. This creates a cumbersome process for hotels, as they must constantly monitor room rates to avoid unintended GST changes, which could result in potential legal issues. Delinking would provide clarity, simplify operations, and help hotels price rooms competitively without the burden of an escalating GST rate on food and beverages. Live Events ET: In response to inflation, the association has also proposed raising the threshold for room tariffs from Rs 7,500 to Rs 12,500 for a higher GST of 18%. How will this amendment support the growth of the hospitality industry? KSR: Till the time the government is evaluating our request of delinking GST on F&B from room tariffs, we are proposing to increase the threshold from Rs 7,500 to Rs 12,500. It's a very logical move. Years ago, the government set the Rs 7,500 threshold, but given the rising costs in today's economy, it feels outdated. By raising it to Rs 12,500, you allow a lot more mid-range hotels to offer competitive room rates without getting stuck in a higher GST bracket. It would boost occupancy, encourage more travel spending, and make Indian hotels more competitive—especially against Airbnb-style accommodations, which right now often fall outside these tax structures. ET: Based on your interactions with policymakers, what has been the response to these GST-related recommendations? KSR: I would not say there is immediate action yet, but there is a growing recognition that the current GST structure is not fully aligned with the reality of how the hospitality sector operates today. We have seen some positive discussions, and we are hopeful that with continued engagement, we will see these reforms in upcoming GST council meetings. ET: Has the Commerce Ministry taken any action regarding Zomato and Swiggy's foray into private labels through their respective apps? What role has FHRAI played in protecting the interests of the industry in this regard? KSR: Yes, we raised this concern with the Commerce Ministry because it creates an unfair marketplace. Zomato and Swiggy are supposed to be aggregators, but when they push their own brands aggressively on their platforms, it hurts the independent restaurants who rely on them for visibility. FHRAI's role has been to push for a level playing field. We are not against competition, but it should be fair. We have requested the government to step in and bring some regulations to ensure that aggregator platforms do not prioritise their businesses over others. ET: India aspires to become the world's third-largest tourism destination by 2047, as per FHRAI. What do you believe will help in achieving this goal? With the recent terror attacks, do you think that India's image as a world-class tourism destination will be adversely impacted? KSR: There is so much potential for India: the diversity of experiences, culture, and cuisine. But to get there, we need to invest heavily in infrastructure, safety, skilled hospitality staff, and global marketing. Unfortunately, incidents like terror attacks hurt the perception, especially among international travellers. Safety is non-negotiable when you are trying to build a tourism brand. However, India has shown resilience in the past, and with the right security protocols and messaging, I believe we can recover and continue our growth story. ET: In light of the Pahalgam attacks, how can organisations like FHRAI help ensure livelihoods for tourism and hospitality operators in the region? KSR: The first thing is to stand in solidarity with the local communities and tourism operators, as their livelihoods depend heavily on visitors. FHRAI can help by coordinating with government bodies to roll out relief packages, marketing initiatives to rebuild confidence, and even hosting national tourism events there to bring attention back to the region. ET: The hospitality sector has shown steady recovery after the Covid-19 pandemic. What do you see as the top three growth drivers shaping the future of hotels and restaurants in India? KSR: First, the rise of domestic travel—Indians are travelling within India like never before. Second, the digital transformation—everything from bookings to dining experiences is getting tech-driven. And third, tier II and III cities are exploding with demand. People are looking for authentic experiences, and that is opening up new markets beyond the metros. There is a rise in pilgrimage tourism, further supporting the growth of tourism in India. ET: What are the most urgent reforms FHRAI is advocating for the hotel industry regarding the ease of doing business? KSR: We have been very vocal about the need for single-window clearances. Today, to open a hotel or a restaurant, you need so many licences from different departments, which is tedious and discourages entrepreneurship. We are asking for digitisation, time-bound approvals and rationalisation of the number of licences required. A lot of it is just red tape that needs cutting. ET: New hospitality ventures often face long delays in project execution due to bureaucratic bottlenecks. How can governments—both state and central—streamline processes to get projects approved faster? KSR: Honestly, it's s about accountability and digitisation. If there is a clear checklist, a transparent timeline, and everything moves online, the process becomes predictable. Also, appointing nodal officers who can guide investors through the process, like a concierge service for businesses, can make a huge difference. States that have done this well have seen a boom in hospitality projects. ET: Skill development of manpower is crucial to deliver world-class hospitality experiences. What initiatives is FHRAI taking to enhance training and skill development across the sector? KSR: We are investing heavily in training programmes, both through our own initiatives and in partnership with institutes. FHRAI's Institute of Hospitality Management, for example, is providing industry-relevant training. We are also pushing for more government-backed skill development programmes that are aligned with what the industry needs. Through our Centre of Excellence, we have started some training programmes for hospitality professionals, which the industry is finding helpful. ET: With tier II and III cities emerging as new tourism and hospitality hubs, how does FHRAI see the potential in these markets? KSR: We see massive potential. Places like Indore, Bhubaneswar, and Surat are growing fast, and the spending power is real. Plus, travellers are looking for offbeat experiences now. The key is to ensure infrastructure keeps pace—good roads, airports, and internet connectivity. If we get that right, these cities could be the next big thing in Indian tourism. ET: Sustainability is becoming an indispensable part of hospitality. How is FHRAI encouraging eco-friendly operations among its members? What are some of the practices being actively practised among your members? KSR: Sustainability is no longer optional. We are encouraging our members to adopt practices like rainwater harvesting, solar energy, waste segregation, and even zero-plastic policies. A lot of our members have shifted to sourcing local produce to cut down their carbon footprint. Some hotels are doing wonderful work with organic kitchens and water recycling plants. FHRAI also holds workshops and best-practice-sharing sessions to help members make the transition more easily. The success of our recently concluded Tourism Sustainability Summit 2025 depicts our commitment to this. We also launched a handbook on best sustainability practices in Indian hospitality. The handbook aims to serve as a comprehensive guide, showcasing the sustainable initiatives implemented by the hospitality sector and inspiring others to follow suit.
New Indian Express
30-04-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
Delhi High Court to hear appeals on ban of automatic service charges in restaurants on May 9
NEW DELHI: The Delhi High Court will hear two appeals on May 9 against a previous court decision that supported the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) guidelines. These guidelines ban the automatic addition of service charges to restaurant bills. The National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI) and the Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI) had challenged this decision. The appeals were listed before a Division Bench, comprising Chief Justice Devendra Upadhyay and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela. However, the hearing was postponed due to technical issues with the virtual hearing system, and it will now take place on May 9. In July 2022, the CCPA issued guidelines saying restaurants cannot add service charges to bills without asking customers. This followed many complaints from diners about service charges of 5-20% being added automatically. The NRAI and FHRAI claimed that service charges have been a common industry practice for over 80 years, based on labour agreements. But the single-judge court found no proof that the service charge directly benefits workers. The judge ruled that forcing customers to pay it is an unfair trade practice under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019. The court said the CCPA has legal power to stop unfair trade practices. Even though they are called 'guidelines,' they have the force of law. The court also banned the use of the term 'service charge' on bills, as it may confuse people into thinking it is a government tax. Instead, restaurants should use terms like 'voluntary contribution' or 'staff welfare fund.' Service charges must not be added automatically, and customers must be clearly told that tipping is their choice. The single-judge bench dismissed the petitions from NRAI and FHRAI and fined them Rs 1 lakh each, to be paid to the CCPA for consumer welfare. After this decision, both associations filed appeals. In its appeal, the NRAI said that clearly informing customers about service charges on menus is not unfair. It argued that service charges are a recognised part of the restaurant industry and employee pay, and are supported by court rulings and labour agreements. The NRAI also questioned whether this issue should be handled under labour law instead of consumer law.
Hindustan Times
29-04-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
NRAI appeals Delhi HC's order against automatic levy of service charge
The National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI) has moved the Delhi high court challenging a single judge's decision last month against the automatic levy of service charges in restaurants and hotels. The court had held that such a practice imposed an 'extraordinary burden' on consumers without their explicit consent. The appeal is scheduled to be heard on Tuesday by a bench of chief justice DK Upadhyay and justice Tushar Rao Gedela. The restaurant body, represented by Dr Lalit Bhasin, contended that the levy of the specifically mentioned service charge on the restaurant's menu card and displayed in the establishment did not constitute an unfair trade practice under the Consumer Protection Act, since it protects the rights of millions of employees in catering establishments across the country. On March 28, a bench of justice Prathiba M Singh reinforced the guidelines issued by the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) in 2022, affirming that consumers held the unequivocal right to refuse payment of service charges, irrespective of the quality of service rendered. The appeal said that restaurant owners had the right to fix the price of products by splitting the same under various nomenclatures and the CCPA had no authority to dictate to them about the structuring. NRAI's petition argued that the guidelines issued by CCPA were beyond its jurisdiction. 'The guidelines have sought to interfere with labour management relations and CCPA has acted wholly without justification in describing service charge as unfair trade practice,' the plea stated. In its 131-page ruling, the single-judge bench termed service charge or 'tip' as a voluntary payment by customers and cannot be compulsory or mandatory. Such a charge, justice Singh said, created an unfair pricing structure lacking transparency. Although the court upheld CCPA's guidelines, it granted the authority liberty to change the nomenclature of service charge by naming it 'voluntary contribution' or 'staff contribution.' 'The use of word service charge is misleading as consumers tend to confuse the same with service tax or GST, imposed or collected by the government,' the court said. The judgment arose from legal challenges posed by NRAI and the Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI) against the CCPA's 2022 guidelines. The ruling has only been challenged by NRAI, but HT has learnt that the FHRAI is also likely to challenge the verdict in a day or two, before the high court's division bench.
