Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce and Industry welcomes govt stimulus to boost demand

News Network

October 13, 2020

Bengaluru, Oct 12: Expressing his happiness on the measures to stimulate consumer spending announced by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FKCCI) President Perikal M Sundar said that the move will enhance the purchasing power of the consumer and invigorate the retail sector economy.

In a statement, Sundar said that the one-time disbursement of Special Festival Advance Scheme will bring a surge in the government revenue through GST.

"The one-time disbursement of Special Festival Advance Scheme is expected to amount to Rs.4,000 crore. If given by all state governments, another Rs.8,000 crore is expected to be disbursed. Employees can spend this on any festival which will enhance the purchasing power of the consumer and invigorate the retail sector economy and thereby facilitate a surge in the government revenue through GST," he said.

The FKCCI President stated that the Special Festival Advance Scheme which was meant for non-gazetted government employees is being revived as a one-time measure, for gazetted employees too.

Talking about the LTC Cash Voucher Scheme, Sundar said that the government employees can opt to receive cash amounting to leave encashment plus three-time tickets fare to buy something of their choice.

"The government employees can opt to receive cash amounting to leave encashment plus three-time tickets fare to buy something of their choice under the LTC Cash Voucher Scheme. Only digital payment mode is accepted and employees should produce the GST invoice to get the benefit," he said.

Trying to give a boost to the plummeting economy, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday announced two proposals -- Leave Travel Concession (LTC) Cash Voucher Scheme and Special Festival Advance Scheme -- to stimulate consumer demand.

Sitharaman said there are indications that savings of government and organised sector employees have increased, "We want to incentivise such people to boost demand for the benefit of the less fortunate. We are presenting two proposals -- the Leave Travel Concession (LTC) Cash Voucher Scheme and Special Festival Advance Scheme -- to stimulate consumer spending."

Finance Minister said under the LTC Cash Voucher Scheme, government employees can opt to receive cash amounting to leave encashment plus three times ticket fare, to buy items, which attract GST of 12 per cent or more. "Only digital transactions are allowed, GST invoice has to be produced," she said.

The Special Festival Advance Scheme for non-gazetted employees is being revived as a one-time measure, for gazetted employees too, Finance Minister said.

"All the central government employees can now get an interest-free advance of Rs 10,000, in the form of a prepaid RuPay Card, to be spent by March 31, 2021," she said.

The interest-free advance of Rs 10,000 under the Special Festival Advance Scheme to be paid back in 10 instalments.

"The one-time disbursement of Special Festival Advance Scheme is expected to amount to Rs 4,000 crore. If it is given by all state governments, another Rs 8,000 crore is expected to be disbursed Employees can spend this on any festival," she added.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will chair 43rd Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council meeting through video conferenceing later in the day.

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From Dubai boom to Bengaluru backlash: Inside CJ Roy’s journey

News Network

January 31,2026

Bengaluru: The shooting incident involving CJ Roy, founder of the Confident Group, has once again put the spotlight on a businessman whose life has swung between flamboyant global success and persistent controversy at home.

Though Roy’s business interests extended across continents, his roots lay firmly in Karnataka. An alumnus of Christ School in Bengaluru, he later moved to Tumakuru to pursue an engineering degree. Those familiar with his early years describe him as intensely ambitious, beginning his career as a salesman at a small electronics firm dealing in computers.

Roy’s entry into large-scale real estate came through the Crystal Group, where he worked closely with Latha Namboothiri and rose from manager to director. However, the launch of the Confident Group in 2005 was clouded by industry speculation. Insiders speak of a fallout involving alleged “benami” properties and claims of deception that ultimately led to his independent venture—an episode Roy spent years trying to distance himself from, according to associates.

A tale of two cities

Roy’s professional trajectory diverged sharply across geographies.

In Dubai, he built a reputation as a bold and efficient developer, completing massive luxury residential projects in record time—some reportedly within 11 months. His rapid project delivery and lavish lifestyle in the Emirates earned him admiration and visibility in the real estate sector.

In Bengaluru, however, his image remained far more fractured. Sources say Roy stayed away from the city for several years amid disputes over unpaid dues to vendors and suppliers. Several projects were allegedly stalled, with accusations of unfulfilled commitments to cement and steel suppliers continuing to follow him.

Roy’s return to Bengaluru’s business and social circles began around 2018, marked by a conscious attempt at rebranding. His appointment as Honorary Consul of the Slovak Republic added diplomatic legitimacy, which he complemented with visible CSR initiatives, including ambulance donations and high-profile charity events.

Heavy police presence in Langford Town

Following the incident, police personnel from the Central division were deployed outside the Confident Group building in Langford Town, which also houses the Slovak Honorary Consulate in Bengaluru.

The otherwise busy premises near Hosur Road wore a deserted look on Friday, reflecting the shock and uncertainty that followed the tragedy.

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