New Delhi, May 21 (H.S): The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry has emphasized the importance of ensuring the participation of small retailers in the formulation of the proposed 'National Retail Trade Policy.' DPIIT stated that ground-level participation should be included in the national retail trade policy.
According to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the sixth meeting of the National Traders Welfare Board (NTWB) took place on Tuesday at the Commerce Building in New Delhi. The main focus of this meeting was on the 'Vocal for Local' initiative, which aims to promote indigenous industries and locally manufactured goods. During the meeting, Sanjeev, the Joint Secretary of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, highlighted the significant contribution of the retail sector to the Indian economy. He urged board members to provide constructive and inclusive suggestions for the creation of the national retail trade policy, with a particular emphasis on ground-level participation.
The meeting was chaired by Sunil J. Singhi, the Chairman of the National Traders Welfare Board (NTWB). He highlighted several trader and MSME-focused announcements from the Central Budget 2025-26, reiterating the government's commitment to creating a favorable business ecosystem through the simplification of regulatory processes, financial assistance, and infrastructure development. On this occasion, a special magazine titled The Journey of the National Traders Welfare Board was released, detailing the board's achievements, initiatives, and accomplishments since its establishment.
Singhi emphasized the role of digital transformation in empowering small traders in the country. He encouraged the adoption of digital platforms such as the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC). He stated that such initiatives could significantly enhance market access and income opportunities for small retailers. Members were urged to assist in bringing local traders onto these platforms to ensure their integration into the digital economy.
The Chairman reported that various representations received from trade associations and board members had been forwarded to the relevant ministries and departments for appropriate action. He also invited further suggestions to raise awareness and enhance access to government welfare schemes for the retail sector. Non-governmental members appointed by the central government participated in this meeting, representing trade associations from various states and union territories, alongside ex-officio members from nine major ministries and departments of the Government of India.
According to the ministry, the main focus of this meeting was on the 'Vocal for Local' initiative, which aims to promote indigenous industries and locally manufactured goods. Singhi urged all board members to actively collaborate on this initiative in their respective states and union territories. All present members took a symbolic pledge to act as ambassadors for this movement, strengthening its reach and impact across the country.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
