-KH News Desk (cdedit@imaws.org)
The Indian Bakers Federation (IBF), the current president Shree S. Anburajan, and former president Shree. P.M. Sankaran expresses gratitude to Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to the welfare of India’s diverse industries, including the bakery sector. It is under his guidance and the efficient functioning of his government that the long-pending concerns of bakers across the nation have finally received deserved attention.
IBF, founded in 2017 as the first-ever national federation for bakers, was born out of a collective realization that
the industry needed a unified voice to tackle the pressing issue of disproportionately high GST levied on bakery
products. These perishable, short-shelf-life foods have traditionally been taxed under a generic food category,
resulting in an onerous burden that undermined the growth and vitality of the bakery trade.
The recent GST reforms, which include significant reductions in tax rates on various bakery items from 18% to 5% and in some cases to nil, are a testament to the persistent and sincere representations made by IBF leaders to Union Ministers, the Ministry of Finance, and the GST Council. These changes usher in a more logical and supportive tax environment for the bakery sector, promoting growth, affordability, and sustainability.
IBF must acknowledge the founding members, Shree Ajit Diwadkar and Shree NL. Mehta, who in 2017 laid the
groundwork for the essential foundation for meaningful dialogue and advocacy.
Mr. Gaurav Dhingra, IBF Gen. Secy. said: “We recognize with profound appreciation the current leadership team
of IBF, across all national chapters, whose perseverance and spirit have kept the momentum alive through
continuous engagement with policymakers, always driven by the shared passion for the baking community’s
prosperity.”
Above all, this success is a tribute to the bakers of India, the heartbeat of IBF. Their unwavering support, trust,
and resilience over these eight years have been a source of inspiration and strength for the IBF looks forward to continuing its collaborative journey with the government and stakeholders to ensure that the bakery industry flourishes in this more favourable regulatory landscape for the benefit of producers, sellers, and consumers nationwide.
