MAM
Concern India aims to curb vaccine hesitancy with a new social campaign
Mumbai: Even as India rushes to reach its goal of vaccinating 100 per cent of the eligible population, many are still hesitant to take the jab against Covid-19. Keeping this in mind, Concern India Foundation, a non-profit organisation has launched a social campaign in areas of Bangalore with high vaccine hesitancy. With the help of community leaders, the foundation has created a unique audio appeal called the Divine Voice.
“The temples and mosques in India have speakers. These speakers usually broadcast prayers and holy messages. Concern India weaved vaccination messages into these prayers. These messages were then broadcast live through these speakers by the community leaders themselves,” said the statement.
“Though vaccines were available, there was a poor turnout in the vaccination camps. Our discussion with Ogilvy led to launching the campaign,” commented Concern India deputy director Pampa Chowdhury. “Initially we were apprehensive whether it would work. But with immense cooperation from all the stakeholders, the campaign worked. People showed up in numbers, creating a model that can be used as an awareness tool.”
According to Chowdhury, “Earlier only about 30 or so people would turn up for vaccination. But after the campaign, more than 200 people were vaccinated per day, and more were in waiting.”
Encouraged by the positive response to the campaign, Concern India Foundation is looking to expand its Bangalore model to more areas. “We will continue with the vaccination drives using this model…religious influences can be a catalyst of social change,” Chowdhury further said.
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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.
