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IICMA is feeling the effects of the crisis caused by this epidemic and the Ministry of Finance is requested to take decisive action soon to save the industry
The Indian Ice Cream Manufacturer’s Association (IICMA), established in 2011 as the National Association of Ice Cream Makers, has been requesting the government to reduce the GST from the slab of 18% to 12%, which was ignored.
The industrial body has also been lobbying to put this industry in the category of composition scheme. This will help to be at par with dairy industries, for which tax rates are relatively low, ranging from zero to 5% or 12% GST. While ice cream, the industry has been kept under the purview of 18% GST without any justifiable reason.
It is important to mention that the ice cream industry consumes raw materials from the dairy industry, which accounts for 5% of India’s GDP. Demand for milk, butter and cream will also be reduced as the efficiency of this industry is affected. This can impact the livelihood of farmers, and those associated with the dairy industry, and ancillary food processing industries.
“All state governments should support the ice cream industry as it contributes greatly to generating local employment (direct and indirect). Ice cream, like dairy, should also be brought under the purview of essential commodities as Karnataka during the lockdown last year The government did. We also demand a postponement of payment of electricity bills, as our sales across the country have been highly affected “, said Pradeep G Pai, Treasurer, IICMA.
IICMA is feeling the effects of the crisis caused by this epidemic and the Ministry of Finance is requested to take decisive action soon to save the industry. This support can provide the industry with the necessary strength to adapt its products to customers. This may also help other companies like semi-frozen products and organic flavored yogurt.
Given the cloud of crisis looming over the economy, the government can do a lot to encourage the sector,” said Ashish A Nahar, Secretary IICMA. “March and April have already passed. We have just one more month’s time left to prove our stand to the government. If nothing is still done, we will spend a part of our loss during the rest of the year. We will not be able to complete it. The ice cream is sold primarily in the best-selling season from March to May. And looking at the current lockdown, all our expectations have been clouded”, he added.