MAM
Diageo India and BharatCares launch WASH projects in Meghalaya
Mumbai: Diageo India (United Spirits Ltd.) in partnership with BharatCares, a social impact organisation, launched Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) projects in Seng Khasi Upper Primary School (Mawlai Khasi Hills) and Soso Tham Memorial School (Lawsohtun) in Meghalaya. The inauguration ceremony was held in the presence of members from Diageo India and BharatCares. The projects will benefit over 120 students and staff members by supporting a healthier, safer, and more conducive learning environment.
Through this initiative, Diageo India and BharatCares will set up a dedicated RO plant, and renovate a drinking water station with a modern filtration system along with the school boundary wall and toilets at the Seng Khasi Upper Primary School. In addition, a new classroom with a dyna roof, separate toilets for boys and girls along with a handwashing station, an RO plant and a drinking water station will be constructed at the Soso Tham Memorial School.
Diageo India head of CSR & sustainability Navdeep Singh Mehram said, “At Diageo India, preserving water for life is a key priority under our Society 2030 ESG action plan. We have been championing water stewardship within our communities by investing in improving access to WASH. Together with our NGO partner BharatCares, these initiatives will help enhance the overall well-being by creating a healthier, hygienic and beneficial environment for the students and the staff members.”
CSRBOX Foundation vice president & government practice Manoviraj Singh said, “We are delighted to continue our collaboration with Diageo India on this community engagement initiative. These projects will help improve the overall infrastructure of the schools by installing water purification systems, upgrading sanitation facilities, and enhancing structural elements. Through these initiatives, we aim to provide students with a better learning environment and access to essential facilities.”
Diageo India has launched multiple WASH projects impacting communities across eight states in India.
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.
