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Hans India
02-08-2025
- Business
- Hans India
Ministers suggest key reforms for new bar policy
Mangalagiri: Severalministers suggested key reforms for the upcoming bar policy during a crucial meeting of the Group of Ministers (GoM) on excise held here on Friday. The suggestions focused on improving tourism prospects, encouraging entrepreneurship, and aligning bar locations with industrial growth corridors. Health minister Y Satya Kumar Yadav proposed consulting with the tourism department to include provisions that would boost tourism. Minister for MSMEs and NRI empowerment Kondapalli Srinivas suggested measures to attract new entrepreneurs into the liquor sector. Energy minister Gottipati Ravi Kumar emphasised the need to relocate bars strategically, especially in view of emerging industrial zones. Food and civil supplies minister Nadendla Manohar called for a detailed review of the implementation of the current 'Shop Policy' to assess its implications on the upcoming bar policy. The meeting was held in hybrid mode, with excise minister Kollu Ravindra and energy minister Gottipati Ravi Kumar attending in person, while other ministers joined virtually. Director of prohibition and excise Nishant Kumar presented a comprehensive review of the state's bar policy, including historical trends, licence disposal methods, fee structures, and the bar-to-population ratio. The current policy (2022–25) allows 840 standalone bars and 50 premium establishments like star hotels and microbreweries. A comparative analysis of bar regulations in Telangana, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu was also discussed. Principal secretary Mukesh Kumar Meena shared stakeholder feedback from the AP State Wine Dealers Association, Star Hotels Association, and the AP Hotels Association. He also outlined financial impacts of different policy models. The suggestions made by ministers will be considered while drafting the final version of the new bar policy, which is expected to be rolled out after the current one expires on August 31. Senior officials including excise enforcement director Rahul Dev Sharma were also present.
Fibre2Fashion
29-07-2025
- Business
- Fibre2Fashion
India eyes uniform 12% GST on textile value chain
India may reconsider the Goods and Services Tax (GST) structure across the entire textile value chain. The current differential tax rates on various textile products are not only creating an inverted duty structure—where raw materials are taxed higher than downstream products—but are also making it difficult for industry players to claim input tax credit (ITC). The GST Council may bring forward a proposal to introduce a uniform tax rate of 12 per cent on all products in the textile value chain. This aims to simplify the tax structure, increase industry competitiveness, and attract investment. However, such a proposal could raise taxes and prices on cotton, potentially reducing its appeal in comparison to synthetic fibres, which are currently taxed at higher rates. India is considering a uniform 12 per cent GST across the textile value chain to simplify taxation and correct the inverted duty structure that currently burdens cotton products and hampers input tax credit claims. While the move may boost competitiveness and attract investment, it could raise prices for cotton-based goods and garments under ₹1,000, potentially favouring cheaper synthetic alternatives. Government sources have indicated that the proposal may be considered by the GST Council before September as part of the next phase of GST reforms. It is likely to feature in the rate rationalisation report by the Group of Ministers (GoM). The proposal aims to correct the long-standing inverted duty structure in the sector. At present, cotton is taxed at 5 per cent, yarn at 12 per cent, and synthetic fibres—as well as the chemicals used to produce them—at 18 per cent. Garments priced below ₹1,000 attract 5 per cent GST, while those priced above ₹1,000 are taxed at 12 per cent. The Indian industry has long been demanding a correction in the inverted duty structure to enable manufacturers to claim ITC. This distortion imposes an indirect financial burden on the sector and reduces its global competitiveness. A simplified and uniform tax rate would not only ease this burden but also attract fresh investment. Government officials and the GST Council have acknowledged the challenges faced by the industry. The Council is working on a broader move to simplify GST in general, aiming to boost the country's growth rate. Under the proposed plan, the GST rate on synthetic fibres would be reduced from 18 per cent to 12 per cent. However, the tax on cotton would rise from 5 per cent to 12 per cent. Garments—the final product in the textile value chain—would also be subject to a uniform 12 per cent tax, regardless of retail price. Currently, garments priced below ₹1,000 are taxed at 5 per cent, while those priced above that threshold attract 12 per cent. Hence, the tax rate for low-priced garments would increase, while that for higher-priced garments would remain unchanged. While the proposed tax adjustments may ease compliance for the textile industry, the cotton value chain could come under pressure due to the higher tax burden. Cotton fibre and fabric, currently taxed at 5 per cent, would see the rate rise to 12 per cent. Cotton yarn and thread—as well as their synthetic counterparts—are already taxed at 12 per cent. Thus, the cotton value chain also suffers from an inverted duty structure. A yarn trader from Delhi told Fibre2Fashion, 'A uniform tax rate of 12 per cent would simplify taxation for the textile industry if the GST Council approved the proposal. However, raising the tax on cotton fibre and fabric from 5 per cent to 12 per cent will increase their prices. Currently, cotton-based products attract lower GST than synthetic ones. Since synthetic fibre, yarn, and fabric are already cheaper than cotton, a higher tax on cotton will widen the price gap and make cotton products comparatively more expensive.' The proposal may also include removing the ₹1,000 price threshold for garments and applying a flat 12 per cent GST across all apparel, regardless of value. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KUL)
The Hindu
22-07-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Andhra Pradesh government sets up high-level panel to address concerns on district and mandal boundaries
In a move aimed at streamlining administrative structures while addressing growing public sentiment, the government of Andhra Pradesh has issued orders constituting a Group of Ministers (GoM) to examine and resolve issues raised by citizens and elected representatives regarding the names and boundaries of districts, mandals and villages. According to the Government Order dated July 22, 2025, the government has taken this decision in response to numerous petitions and concerns related to the reshuffling of administrative divisions. The newly constituted Group of Ministers will study these matters in depth and offer their recommendations for final approval. The GoM comprises senior cabinet members, including Revenue Minister Anagani Satya Prasad, Municipal Administration and Urban Development Minister Ponguru Narayana, Home Affairs and Disaster Management Minister Anitha Vangalapudi, Roads and Buildings Minister B.C. Janardhan Reddy, Water Resources Development Minister Nimmala Ramanaidu, Food and Civil Supplies Minister Nadendla Manohar, and Health and Family Welfare Minister Satya Kumar Yadav. The Special Chief Secretary to the Revenue Department will serve as the Convenor of the Committee, coordinating meetings and ensuring the participation of relevant officials when required. The Committee has been tasked with evaluating the practicality of proposed changes, especially from the perspective of administrative efficiency. It will also take into consideration the resolution of disputes involving boundaries of districts, revenue divisions, and mandals, and will assess accessibility to administrative headquarters for the general public. Another key focus of the GoM will be the preservation of historical and cultural affiliations, the need to ensure balanced socio-economic development across regions, and the equitable distribution of population and geographical area to support effective governance. In addition, the panel will examine in detail the representations made by citizens and their elected leaders, with regard to proposed changes in district names, boundaries, administrative headquarters, and related governance arrangements. The Committee will submit a consolidated report with its recommendations to the state government, which will take a final decision based on the findings, said Chief Secretary K. Vijayanand in the GO.
Time of India
13-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Land registration freeze continues over ‘tampered' records in Andhra Pradesh
Vijayawada: The state govt is virtually left clueless to resolve the contentious free-hold lands issue. The registration of about 20 lakh acres of assigned lands has been put on hold on the suspicion of tampering of records. Although, the govt conducted village level revenue meetings to screen the land records, it could not resolve the free-hold lands issue in the last one year. Several lakhs of farmers have been struggling to sell their lands as the govt is delaying the decision to lift the ban on registration of the lands entered into the prohibitory lands register. The state govt has even appointed a Group of Ministers (GoM) to study the issue after the senior officials failed to come up with a solution. Surprisingly, the GoM too could not ready the roadmap to unlock the controversy even after holding several meetings. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo "We are hopeful of finding a solution by October. It is taking time as the govt wanted to prevent irregularities in transfer of assigned lands to the influential people. We wanted to protect the rights of the genuine landlords as well as the govt property," said revenue minister Anagani Satya Prasad. A large number of farmers and eligible assignees, thought that the govt will free up the freeze orders at least to the extent which were not on the suspicion list. Giving a shocker to the original assignees, the govt has extended the ban by another three months in the guise of further verification of records. "The govt looks keen to hand over the lands of the poor to landlords and corporates with such delay tactics. We demand that an all-party meeting be held immediately to formulate a comprehensive policy on the land issue," CPM state secretary V Srinivasa Rao. He explained that successive govts have stated that approximately 32 lakh acres of surplus land were distributed to the poor since 1970. However, previous govt declared that around 15 lakh acres were encroached upon by influential persons. "Before elections, Naidu had promised to take the assigned lands from the ineligible people back and given to genuine beneficiaries. Not even an acre was distributed besides resolution of the existing 22-A controversy," said Srinivasa Rao.
Time of India
13-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Andhra Pradesh government issues new orders on Amaravati land allocation
Vijayawada: The Andhra Pradesh govt issued fresh orders on Sunday regarding the allocation and reallocation of lands in the capital region of Amaravati, marking a strategic move to streamline institutional land use. Acting on the recommendations of the Group of Ministers (GoM), the govt sanctioned land to several new organisations and revised the allotments for others. As part of the latest orders, 32.40 acres of land were allocated to seven new institutions in Amaravati. Notably, the BJP was allotted 2 acres of land for establishing its state office. The income tax department and AP Grameena Bank were allotted 2 acres of land. KIMS was allocated 25 acres of land for the construction of a medical college. These allocations are being made on a 60-year lease basis. Simultaneously, the govt cancelled earlier land allocations to some organisations. These include 0.40 acres allotted to GAIL and 1 acre to Ambica, with the CRDA Commissioner directed to take appropriate follow-up action. Additionally, amendments were made to land allocations for six previously approved institutions. These decisions are part of the implementation of proposals submitted during the 18th Cabinet Sub-Committee on Land Allocation, held on June 23. Subsequent proposals were reviewed and placed before the 50th CRDA Authority meeting on July 5, following which the govt gave its administrative nod. The new orders were issued through GO MS No. 122 by S Suresh Kumar, principal secretary of MA&UD department. These changes reflect the govt's intent to ensure optimal and purposeful use of prime capital region lands. With new institutions gaining ground and non-utilised lands being reclaimed, Amaravati's development is expected to align more closely with the state's administrative and infrastructural goals.
