MAM
Kaizzen talks policy as consultancy expands with public affairs vertical
MUMBAI: Kaizzen is turning up the volume in the policy world! The award-winning communications consultancy has unveiled its new Public Affairs Advisory Services, a move designed to help businesses and institutions navigate India’s ever-shifting regulatory landscape.
In a world where policies change faster than social media trends, Kaizzen’s latest expansion is all about giving businesses the right playbook to engage with policymakers, track legislative shifts, and build narratives that matter. The new vertical will cover everything from stakeholder mapping and government engagement to policy advocacy and crisis management.
“India is on the fast track to becoming the world’s third-largest economy, and smart policy engagement is the key to sustainable growth. With Kaizzen’s Public Affairs practice, we aim to bring together leaders, industry experts, and policymakers to shape the future,” said Kaizzen founder & CEO Vineet Handa.
To lead the charge, Kaizzen has onboarded two policy heavyweights. Jitendra Lall steps in as senior director, armed with 27 years of experience in compliance, business continuity, & policy advocacy. Joining him is Kalyan Ranjan, a veteran with over three decades of expertise in public affairs, corporate communications, & sustainability.
Ranjan, known for his “Together, we grow” philosophy, is optimistic about the road ahead. “Our goal is to create a dynamic platform that fosters meaningful stakeholder engagement, aligned with the government’s vision to enhance ease of doing business,” he said.
With this bold expansion, Kaizzen is not just advising on policy—it’s shaping the conversation. Businesses, take note: the future of public affairs just got a whole lot smarter!
Brands
Jubilant FoodWorks faces Rs 47.5 crore GST demand, plans appeal
Tax authorities flag alleged misclassification of restaurant services
MUMBAI: Jubilant FoodWorks Limited has landed in a tax tussle after receiving a GST demand of Rs 47.5 crore from the office of the additional commissioner of CGST and central excise in Thane, Maharashtra.
The order, issued under the provisions of the Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017, relates to an alleged incorrect classification of certain services under the category of restaurant services. According to the tax authorities, this classification resulted in a short payment of goods and services tax for the period between the financial years 2019-20 and 2021-22.
The demand includes Rs 47.5 crore in GST along with an equal amount as penalty, in addition to applicable interest. The order was received by the company on March 13, 2026.
In a regulatory filing to the BSE Limited and the National Stock Exchange of India Limited, the company said it disagrees with the order and believes its arguments were not adequately considered.
The company is preparing to challenge the decision and plans to file an appeal. It added that once the redressal process is complete, the demand is likely to be dropped.
Despite the sizeable figure attached to the notice, the company said it does not expect any material impact on its financials, operations or other activities.
The disclosure was signed by Suman Hegde, EVP and chief financial officer, who confirmed that the company received the order at 19:06 IST on March 13 and has already initiated steps to contest it.
The development places the quick service restaurant major in the middle of a tax debate that could hinge on how certain restaurant-linked services are classified under GST rules. For now, the company appears ready to take the matter from the tax office to the appeals desk.
