Ice Cream Industry Delegation Meets President, Urges GST Reduction
In a significant move aimed at advancing the interests of the ice cream industry, a delegation representing IICMA (Indian Ice Cream Manufacturers Association) and various national ice cream associations met with President Draupadi Murmu at the Rashtriya Bhawan. Led by prominent figures from the IICMA, the delegation emphasized the urgent need for a reduction in the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on ice cream and frozen desserts to spur industry growth.
The delegation, comprising key members from IICMA alongside representatives from other national ice cream associations, engaged in detailed discussions with President Murmu, highlighting the challenges faced by the sector and the potential for its expansion both domestically and internationally.
Sudhir Shah, President of IICMA, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to present the industry’s case to President Murmu. He underscored the exponential growth potential of the ice cream industry within India and its capacity for export, emphasizing the crucial role it plays in supporting allied agro-industries. Accompanying Shah were notable figures including Chairman Rajesh Gandhi, South Regional Vice President Ashish A. Nahar, and Secretary Pradeep G. Pai, along with representatives from other national associations, namely Chetan Deo Bhalla, Balaraju Anantharamu, and L. K. Narshiman.
During the meeting, the delegation underscored the economic significance of the ice cream industry, stressing its contribution to employment generation and economic development. They emphasized that a reduction in GST would not only encourage innovation and investment but also support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and dairy farmers involved in the sector.
The delegation’s efforts to rally support for GST reduction were met with keen interest by President Murmu, who assured them of a thorough consideration of their plea. She commended the industry’s commitment to growth and pledged to explore avenues for addressing their concerns within the framework of government policy.
The meeting concluded on a positive note, with both parties expressing optimism about the prospects of collaborative efforts to support the ice cream industry’s growth trajectory. The delegation vowed to continue its advocacy efforts, working in tandem with policymakers to achieve a favourable outcome for the sector.
As the ice cream industry awaits further developments, stakeholders remain hopeful that their voices will be heard, and concrete measures will be taken to create an enabling environment for industry expansion and sustainability.
The ice cream industry has long awaited a resolution regarding the reduction of Goods and Services Tax (GST) by the GST council. As an integral part of the dairy sector, the ice cream industry significantly contributes to the growth and vibrancy of the Indian economy. Its linkage with the dairy industry underscores its vital role in driving agricultural value chains and fostering economic development nationwide. Therefore, addressing the overdue issue of GST reduction is not only imperative for the sustainability of ice cream businesses but also for sustaining the momentum of economic growth and job creation within the broader dairy ecosystem.