MAM
HDFC Bank launches safety grid campaign to reiterate social distancing
MUMBI: HDFC Bank launched its #HDFCBankSafetyGrid campaign to encourage and reinforce #socialdistancing.
Using the outer grid of HDFC Bank logo that is synonymous with trust, the bank has created physical markers on the ground to help people maintain the World Health Organisation (WHO) prescribed “social” distance while waiting in the queue at a shop or an establishment.
After a successful pilot in Kolkata, the Safety Grid campaign has been launched in Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Pune, Chandigarh and Bhubaneswar. ‘The Safety Grid’ will be painted in front of the space leading to various retail outlets such as pharmacies, grocery stores, and ATMs, among others. Each grid will be placed at an optimal WHO prescribed distance of 1 meter from each other. To begin with, “The Safety Grid” will be implemented at over 4000 essential services stores across the eight cities. So far, it has been implemented at over 1750 essential services stores.
“In this hour of need, when the nation is fighting the pandemic, we have decided to put the bank logo, known to millions of Indians, on the ground, for their safety and protection," said HDFC Bank CMO Ravi Santhanam. “HDFC Bank and its logo have been synonymous with trust for over 25 years now. We have defied convention, for our belief is that the safety of the people and social distancing is very important to fight Covid19. And we are honoured that we are able to use our logo to send a message across to the people. The cause that we are fighting for today is much greater than any marketing rules and norms. And every effort or contribution counts.”
Leo Burnett South Asia MD – India and chief creative officer Rajdeepak Das said, “Social distancing is one of the primary ways in which we can keep this deadly disease at bay. But in reality, one does need to step out to buy essentials. The grids are a physical manifestation of the social distancing individuals must maintain in any public setting. It’s a simple but extremely powerful idea a simple solution, albeit a bold one.”
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.
