Representatives of NRAI (National Restaurant Association of India) and TSHA (Telangana State Hotels Association) led by Shaaz Mehmood, partner, Olive Group, Hyderabad; Shankar Krishnamurthy, Fusion 9; and Amar Ohri, Ohri’s Group; had a very fruitful meeting with K T Rama Rao, Minister, MA and UD, Industries, IT and Commerce, Government of Telangana.
As an industry which has been facing huge losses and has not got any support from any quarter, the minister not only reassured the resumption of the business post-lockdown, but also positive that the state government will provide all possible support to stabilise and systematically reopen this sector.
The minister was appreciative and acknowledged that the restaurant industry nationally, with an annual turnover of Rs 4 lakh crore is the third-largest after retail and insurance in the service segment.
He also advised the representatives to set internal guidelines in adherence with government guidelines following global protocols.
He was assured by the industry that strict zero tolerance protocols will be adhered to, to keep the customers and employees safe.
These relate to sanitation, hygiene and social distancing. The industry made specific requests relating to licence period extensions, deferred payment of utilities, rent advisory, stimulus packages for working capital and wages.
The food and beverage industry of Telangana is highly appreciative of the state government’s initiatives in tackling the Covid-19 pandemic.
It is also thankful to it for understanding that the most effected industry already battling through tough times for the past couple of years, is now facing a challenge of mere survival with immeasurable losses, prospect of several businesses closing down and most importantly, a scary spectre of job loss to millions in the sector employing more than seven million people nationally.