Wedding hall operators in Tamil Nadu are urgently calling for a reduction in the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and reconsideration of electricity charges, highlighting the challenges of operating a seasonal business that primarily thrives on the 45 auspicious Muhurtham days of the year. A. John Amalraj, State President of the Tamil Nadu Marriage Hall Owners Association, expressed the concerns of the industry, stating, “Even if we add other functions that occur in halls, we are busy for just around 60 days a year. This hardly covers our expenses. We need to maintain the hall, including our electrical and kitchen equipment, chairs and tables, and air conditioning, while also paying employees throughout the year.”
The Tamil Nadu Marriage Hall Owners Association, alongside the South India Marriage Hall Owners Federation and the All Kalyana Mandapam Owners Association, which represents approximately 25,000 halls, has jointly reached out to the respective State governments and central authorities. Their petition requests a substantial reduction in the current GST rate of 18% to a more manageable 5%. Amalraj elaborated on their competitive struggles, noting, “We face intense competition from hotels that capitalize on the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) business, as well as from smaller venues.”
The hall owners are also seeking changes regarding electricity tariffs. Vel. So. Isaikalaivan, honorary president of the South India Marriage Hall Owners Federation, suggested that State electricity boards should create a special tariff for marriage halls. He argued, “Marriage halls should be exempt from peak hour electricity charges. We are unfairly passing those costs onto customers who typically visit us once in a lifetime.”
In addition to financial relief, the associations are advocating for a revision in trade license classifications, which would allow their venues to host a diverse range of events beyond weddings. “Allowing functions such as exhibitions, discount sales, meetings, and trade shows in our halls would enable better utilization of our facilities throughout the year,” Isaikalaivan added.
The call for lowered taxes and revised regulations reflects broader challenges faced by the wedding industry, particularly post-pandemic, as operators seek to adapt to new economic realities. With the current financial strain and the seasonal nature of their business, industry leaders emphasize the necessity for immediate governmental support to ensure their survival.
As these associations continue their advocacy, they aim not only for relief but also for a more sustainable business model that can weather the financial pressures they currently face. The outcome of their appeals will be closely watched as the wedding industry navigates through this critical period.
This pressing situation underscores the ongoing dialogue regarding the fiscal environment in which wedding halls operate in Tamil Nadu, as operators strive to balance tradition with the economic viability of their businesses.
Chennai.
Original Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/marriage-halls-seek-reduction-in-gst-rates-power-charges/article70510489.ece
Category : Chennai
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Publish Date: 2026-01-14 22:02:00
