Rahul Singh says ‘NRAI wants to work with the Government’

~President Rahul Singh reflects on achievements and shares plan ahead~

New Delhi, September 20, 2018 : The National Restaurant Association of India held its 36th Annual General Meeting (AGM) at Shangri-La’s Eros Hotel in Delhi today. President Rahul Singh, chairing the meeting, shared updates on the breakthroughs the body has made, issues it has been pursuing and engagement over the past 12 months with the authorities across cities.

Singh briefed members on the following matters taken up by the Association:

* FSSAI - Review of Act and Rules, Recycling used cooking oil for Bio-Diesel (Also with Min of Petroleum), Issues related to HFSS foods, Safe & Nutritious Food Programme, Food Safety Supervisor Training programme

* Ministry of Commerce & Industry (DIPP) - Easing / Rationalising of Licensing norms and moving towards single window system, Music Licence Issues

* Ministry of Finance - Multiple representations/meetings regarding GST

* Ministry of Consumer Affairs - Service Charge, Food Wastage, Portion Control

* CII / PMO Office / Tourism Ministry / MoFPI - Easing / Rationalising of Licensing norms and moving towards single window system

* THSC / NSDC - Providing trained manpower

Further, he opportunely noted the following NRAI achievements which brought immense relief to the entire restaurant fraternity:

* Centre -

* Delivery Bikes included under the 'Non-Transport Category’

* Hon’ble Supreme Court’s decision on Legal Metrology Act, 2009, stating MRP would not apply to packaged commodities served in restaurants

* Delhi

* Use of Wood Charcoal for Tandoors was permitted by the DPCC

* Hon’ble Delhi High Court quashed the Delhi Govt.’s notification on a hike in Min Wages

* After many years of follow up, Microbreweries likely to start soon

Reflecting the exponential growth that the restaurant industry is undergoing, Singh said, “Valued at INR 3,09,110 Crores, restaurant industry is the third largest after retail and insurance in the services segment according to the NRAI India Food Services Report 2016. It generates revenue that is 1.6 times of Indian railways and two times the size of IT industry and contributes over 2.1% to the G.D.P. of India, and provides employment to over 6 Million Indians.”

After quoting the industry figures, he further added, “During the past 12 months, the restaurant industry was crippled with issues like GST without ITC, service in open areas, portion controlling, arbitrary stoppage of excise licenses, tandoor ban and many more. NRAI wants to work with the Government and authorities as a cohesive unit to promote the Restaurant Industry. NRAI has been successful in many of its endeavors but there’s a long way to go. With government’s support, I am hopeful that together we will resolve the pending issues.”

The 36th AGM also marked completion of 10 months as President for Rahul. Shortly after taking over the baton, Rahul announced launch of NRAI Professional Membership Programme. He mentioned, “In Association’s effort to strengthen the restaurant fraternity, expand reach and bring every individual employed in the hospitality industry under one umbrella, NRAI has launched its Professional Membership Programme. It will allow individuals employed in the hospitality industry to enroll as members at a nominal yearly fee. Through this category of membership, Association aims to reach out to and empower every professional through its strategic partnerships for skill development, knowledge sharing through seminars, and access to NRAI and other industry events. It will enable individuals to receive unobstructed flow of information even if they shift from one company to another.”

In this short span and under his able leadership, NRAI now boasts of almost 6500 members and has also commenced work on the 4th edition of its food services report called the NRAI India Food Services Report 2019. It is slated to launch in February 2019 across Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Kolkata.

Expressing gratitude on the accomplishments and collaborations that NRAI successfully undertook during the last year, he said, “I am extremely thankful to the NRAI Office Bearers, Managing Committee and Chapter Heads for tabling the concerns to the policy makers much effectively; and Members for the continued support, faith, guidance and motivation that has helped the NRAI scale new heights.”

Singh reiterated that NRAI will keep on pursuing matters aggressively to bring in the necessary changes required to tap into the immense potential this industry holds.

The AGM was followed by a grand cocktail reception that witnessed the participation of the city's most prominent restaurateurs and industry stake holders. Among those in attendance were Pratik Pota from Domino’s, Riyaaz Amlani from Social, Priyank Sukhija from Lord of the Drinks, Kabir Suri from Mamagoto, Kabir Advani from Berco’s, Samir Chopra from Carl's Jr., Nitin Saluja from Chaayos, Sunil Lamba from Kwality, Aseem Grover from Big Chill Café, Vyoum Ghai from Suribachi, Sharad Batra from Café Delhi Heights, Thomas Fenn from Mahabelly, Jasmeet Singh Banga from Pirates of Grill amongst many others.

About NRAI

National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI) is the Voice of the Indian Restaurant Industry. Founded in 1982, it represents 100000+ restaurants, an industry valued INR 3,09,110 crores.

Being the leading association of the Indian restaurant industry, NRAI aspires to promote and strengthen the Indian Food Service Sector. Headquartered in Delhi, the association in its 36th year has a pan India presence with members comprising of restaurants, suppliers and educational institutes associated with it.

NRAI is governed by a committee of members and led by a President and Office Bearers. The committee consists of 35 Restaurant CEOs / Owners representing various national and international brands from the F & B sector. The association works closely with a network of State and City chapter partners in Mumbai, Gurgaon and Bengaluru.

Our Vision

NRAI aspires to lead the Indian Restaurant Industry to greater profitable growth representing interests of members through advocacy, training, research and industry events.

NRAI Aims to

* Advocate changes in the laws governing the Indian Restaurant Industry at Local, State and Centre levels

* Provide opportunities to educate members

* Play a key role in promoting skilling and career opportunities for industry professionals through the Hospitality Sector Skill Council.

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