It's high time that Finance Minister Jayakumar voice the concerns of 1.5 lakh hotel businesses in the state during next #gstcouncil meet.

DMK working president M.K. Stalin issued a statement on May 30, 2017, urging Tamil Nadu Finance Minister D. Jayakumar to champion state hospitality interests at the upcoming Goods and Services Tax Council meeting. Stalin pointed out that over one lakh fifty thousand hotel and restaurant businesses across Tamil Nadu faced severe operational strain due to steep tax brackets proposed under the incoming indirect tax structure.

Stalin explained that classifying everyday eateries and modest boarding establishments under high tax brackets would inflate food prices for working-class citizens and students. He argued that the hospitality trade operates on narrow profit margins and provides vital employment to millions of semi-skilled workers. Subjecting local restaurants to complex compliance burdens and elevated rates would force small establishments out of business while increasing living costs for urban families.

The opposition leader demanded that the state finance minister present a firm, evidence-based case before the GST Council to reduce tax rates on budget and medium restaurants. He emphasized that elected representatives must actively shield local enterprises rather than passively endorsing decisions formulated in New Delhi. Stalin affirmed that the DMK would continue advocating for realistic tax policies that protect commercial livelihoods.