Highlighting the struggles of online micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Tamil Nadu, the Federation of Indian Micro and Small & Medium Enterprises (FISME) and Tamil Nadu Chamber of Commerce voiced concerns about challenges in obtaining Goods and Services Tax (GST) licenses.
Tamil Nadu, boasting five million MSMEs, faces bureaucratic hurdles and strict requirements from state authorities. These include intense scrutiny of shared business spaces and the necessity of justifying Tamil Nadu as the primary state of registration.
Online sellers lamented license cancellations due to the demand for physical presence, citing a disconnect between GST guidelines and their implementation. Manish Singla, CEO of Healthy18, expressed frustration over repeated rejections hindering their service provision in the region.
Anil Bhardwaj, Secretary-General of FISME, emphasised the need for clear guidelines and increased awareness among GST officers. He stressed meaningful dialogue between MSME bodies and the GST department to streamline processes and promote compliance. Simplification, he noted, is key to easing the burden on businesses and fostering growth.
