Hans News Service Vijayawada

A delegation of the AP Star Hotels Association (ASHA), led by its president R V Swamy, met minister for civil supplies Nadendla Manohar here on Thursday and sought the state government’s support in securing key GST reforms for the hospitality sector.

The delegation urged the minister to take up with the Central government the demand for a reduction in GST on commercial LPG cylinders, stating that the current tax structure has sharply increased operating costs for hotels and restaurants.

The association also sought the restoration of Input Tax Credit (ITC) under the GST regime, arguing that its withdrawal has significantly raised operational and capital expenditure, reducing the competitiveness of the hospitality industry.

The delegation expressed confidence that the Andhra Pradesh government, under the leadership of Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, would strongly advocate for GST reforms benefiting the sector. The delegation included Nageswara Rao, general manager of Vivanta Visakhapatnam, M V Pavan Kartheek, joint secretary, ASHA, Sharan, MD of GRT Vijayawada and Murthy Chittoory, general secretary, ASHA.

Minister Manohar gave a patient hearing to the delegation and assured them that their representation would be examined and the matter would be taken up at the appropriate level.