Benny Behanan MP urged the government to ensure that the benefits of GST reduction genuinely reach the public, criticizing multinational corporations for inflating prices despite tax cuts. The Pavan SWAK 2025 2.0 All-Kerala Expo, organized to promote local products, was inaugurated at Angamaly and will conclude on October 5.
Kochi: The government must initiate a study to examine whether the benefits of the reduced GST rates are actually reaching consumers, said Benny Behanan MP. He was speaking after inaugurating the Pavan SWAK 2025 2.0 All-Kerala Expo, organized under the leadership of the Supermarket Welfare Association of Kerala (SWAK), at Adlux Convention Centre, Angamaly.
Behanan pointed out that while the central government reduced GST, several companies simultaneously increased the prices of their products. As a result, consumers are not enjoying the benefits of reduced tariffs, while multinational corporations continue to profit excessively by raising prices. This practice, he said, is unacceptable. Trade associations should formally submit complaints to the government, and he assured that the matter will be raised in the upcoming Parliament session.
The event was presided over by State President Jorphin Peeta, with General Secretary K.A. Siyavuddeen delivering the keynote address. MLA Roji M. John, Oushadhi Chairperson Shobhana George, Kerala Vyapari Vyavasayi Ekopana Samithi State President Raju Apsara, Tamil Nadu Vanigar Sangangalin Peramaippu State President A.M. Vikramaraj, Confederation of All India Traders (South Zone) Coordinator M.M. Nijabuddeen, Retailers Association of India Director Dr. Hitesh Butt, All Kerala Distributors Association General Secretary Binu Manjali, Bakers Association of Kerala President Kiran S. Palakkal, All Kerala Chemists and Druggists Association President A.N. Mohan, Bengaluru Merchants Association Secretary P.V. Asharaf, KSSIA President Joseph Paikada, Expo Chairman Saju Moolan, State Treasurer K.M. Haneefa, and Pavan Oil Managing Director Subair Pazhangadi were among the speakers.
The expo, aimed at promoting locally made products, will conclude tomorrow (October 5, 2025).
