MAM
South India drives growth, contributes one-third of GDP: Chengappa
MUMBAI: South India is the nation’s true economic powerhouse, declared India Today, group editorial director, Raj Chengappa, as he opened the India today conclave south 2025 in Coimbatore.
In his welcome address, Chengappa noted that though the six southern states account for just 20 per cent of India’s population, they contribute nearly one-third of the country’s GDP. He called this unmatched productivity proof of the region’s economic dynamism, underscoring its pivotal role in shaping India’s growth story.
Chengappa urged a change in perspective: South India should no longer be viewed as “down south” but as “up south,” reflecting its leadership across development, technology, governance, and culture.
The two-day conclave, held on September 8–9 in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, brings together leading politicians, policy thinkers, entrepreneurs, cultural icons, and innovators. Under the theme ‘Ideas from the south, for the nation’, sessions will explore transformative forces shaping the region, from disruptive technologies and governance models to emerging economic opportunities and cultural identities.
Over the years, the south conclave has become a premier platform for dialogue, sparking debates on governance, entrepreneurship, and technology. Building on this legacy, the 2025 edition aims to showcase how ideas from the south are increasingly aligned with national aspirations and how the region’s contributions are steering India’s socio-economic future.
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.
