MAM
Vodafone Idea Installs Protective Shields At Telecom Outlets To Keep Customers And Retailers Safe
MUMBAI: With the reopening of telecom retail outlets, Vodafone Idea customers will once again be able to access services across the counter. Ensuring safe distancing in the context of the current pandemic for its retail personnel and customers, and shortly after introducing the industry first contactless recharges through Google voice enabled feature, Vodafone Idea has done another innovation by installing protective shields at telecom retail outlets in Delhi NCR.
Recharge outlets and smartphone retailers in the capital are now donning these safe shields made of hard MDF board and transparent PVC sheet which are simple, efficient and easy to maintain. The shields prevent direct contact between the retail personnel and customers, even while facilitating customer service efficiently, and ensures complete social distancing within the store premises.
Speaking about the new Retailer Shield initiative, Arvinder Singh Sachdeva, Operations Director, Vodafone Idea Limited said, “As a responsible, service oriented telecom operator, it has been our constant endeavor to keep our customers connected on Delhi NCR’s fastest 4G network during the Covid lockdown and enable efficient services to them while they stay home safely. With the resumption of commercial activities and opening of our stores, we are taking full care to ensure safe health of our retailers and customers in Delhi & NCR. We have installed protective shields at Telecom outlets across Delhi NCR to safely and efficiently deliver services to our customers through these outlets.”
Vodafone Idea is also taking proactive measures to keep customers and store staff safe at Company Retail stores. Starting from hourly sanitization, strict adherence to social distancing norms like safe marking inside stores, queue management outside the stores, one customer per counter, and encouraging and assisting customer to move from touch based transaction to fully digital transaction are some of the other processes being followed at the stores which have reopened.
Throughout the lockdown period, Vodafone Idea has undertaken a slew of operational and service related initiatives to ensure customers remain connected. Examples:
– Google Voice-based contactless recharges at stores
– Introduced multiple digital modes of recharges and bill payments for customers to avail services from the comfort and safety of their homes
– #RechargeForGood initiative to enable digital savvy customers to recharge for digitally unconnected
– Launch of industry first, AI powered, virtual service assistant on Whatsapp
– Enabled 2G customers to recharge through SMS and USSD
– Rs 10 talk time credit and extension of unrestricted incoming service to 100 million low income customers
– Home delivery of SIM cards
Vodafone Idea is verified as the fastest 4G network in Delhi NCR by global testing agency Ookla.
Vodafone Idea customers who wish to continue availing our services remotely, can reach out to us through our call centre, My Vodafone and My Idea apps, and through the AI powered bot on Whatsapp and Website.
Brands
Jubilant FoodWorks faces Rs 47.5 crore GST demand, plans appeal
Tax authorities flag alleged misclassification of restaurant services
MUMBAI:Â 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.
