Serving Success: How India’s Restaurants Could Double Jobs by 2028

India's restaurant sector can almost double its employees to 1.5 crore staff by 2028 if it is provided industry status, input tax credits under GST, and reasonable practices with food aggregators, National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI) has said. The industry currently has 85 lakh employees, and the success of the industry depends on support from the government and undoing of historical issues.

Key Highlights:

Employment Potential: The industry hopes to grow from 85 lakh jobs today to 1.5 crore by 2028, higher than previous estimates of 1 crore.

Growth Drivers: Industry status recognition and GST reforms (permitting input tax credits) are key demands.

Aggregator Disputes: NRAI points to Swiggy and Zomato's private-label brands as the cause of fears that allegedly undercut independent restaurants.

Service Charge Controversy: NRAI argues that service charges are voluntary, although the Delhi High Court is considering petitions against compulsory charges.

Industry Growth: The food services sector is expected to expand at 8.1% per annum to ₹7.76 lakh crore by 2028, becoming India's third-largest industry after retail and insurance.

Economic Contribution: It contributes 1.9% to the country's GDP and ₹33,809 crore tax every year. Organized part of segments, such as quick-service restaurants and casual dining restaurants, is growing at a lightning speed rate as online users in food ordering see 6.6 crore transactions in cities. 

Sources: National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI), Business Standard, PTI