Hyderabad: GHMC issues notices to Annapurna Studios, Ramanaidu Studios for trade licence fee 'evasion'
Officials found that both Hyderabad film studios had been underreporting their business area, resulting in significantly lower yearly licence payments
By - Newsmeter Network
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Hyderabad: Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) has issued notices to Annapurna Studios and Ramanaidu Studios for alleged large-scale evasion of trade licence fees.
Officials found that both Hyderabad film studios had been underreporting their business area, resulting in significantly lower yearly licence payments.
Huge gaps between payable and paid fees
During inspections conducted by Circle-18 officials, GHMC discovered that Annapurna Studios, which should have been paying Rs 11.52 lakh as annual trade licence fee, has been paying only Rs 49,000.
Similarly, Ramanaidu Studios, liable to pay Rs 1.92 lakh, has allegedly paid just Rs 1,900, revealing a massive underpayment.
Underreported area led to lower fees
Authorities stated that the actual commercial area of both studios was far higher than what had been declared for licence computation. This false reporting caused substantial revenue loss to GHMC over the years.
GHMC seeks full dues and clarification
Taking serious note of the discrepancies, GHMC has issued official notices demanding payment of the entire pending dues. The studios have been directed to submit a complete explanation and renew their trade licences based on the actual business area.
GHMC officials said that the next course of action will depend on the explanation submitted by the studios. All eyes are now on Annapurna Studios and Ramanaidu Studios, as the civic body awaits their formal response to the notices issued over the alleged licence fee violations.
