A delegation of the Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI) and the South India Hotels & Restaurants Association (SIHRA) under the leadership of D V S Somaraju. Hon. Treasurer, FHRAI and Executive Committee Member, SIHRA met with the Principal Secretary, MAUD. Government of Telangana, Arvind Kumar, and Jayesh Ranjan, (IAS) Principal Secretary (I&C) & IT requesting for the Hospitality sector in the State to be granted Industry status. D.V.S. Somaraju submitted a representation on the subject. The apex Hospitality Association has also requested the Government to reduce the number of licenses for the Hospitality sector through the introduction of a single-window clearance system. The FHRAI has pleaded to the State Government to accord industry status to help revive and augment the hospitality sector’s growth.

“The Government of Telangana has been always on the forefront with progressive measures and policies aimed for socio-economic development in the State. Its pioneering efforts in Ease of Doing Business have shown the way forward for other States in the country to emulate. However, today the Hospitality industry is waging a battle for its survival amidst increasing requirements of working capital vis-a-vis negative cash flows, threats of insolvency, and millions of job losses. Under such circumstances, giving Hospitality the status of the industry will give it the much-needed support from the Government,” says D.V.S. Somaraju.