The ‘National Retail Trade Policy’ is under formulation in this Department. Comprehensive stakeholder consultations in all the States through FICCI, CII, ASSOCHAM, PHDCCI and other trade and commerce associations were conducted to get feedback on the needs and demands of the small traders.

A video conference of Minister of Commerce and Industry with representatives of Industry Associations, Export Organizations and Traders Organizations was held on 18.02.2019, attended by more than 10,000 participants from a total of 42 NIC Centers and 29 other locations across the country.

Stakeholder consultations were also held under the Chair of Secretary, Department for Promotion of Industry & Internal Trade on 25.06.2019 to consider issues facing the retail sector and possible solutions for resolving them.

Regarding e-Commerce, the Department of Commerce established a Think Tank to formulate a “Framework for National Policy on E-commerce” and a Task Force under it which deliberated on the challenges confronting India in the area of digital economy and electronic commerce (e-commerce). The Think Tank was further divided into various sub-groups, comprising representation at the technical level from the Government, industry and experts with domain knowledge.

A draft National e-Commerce policy has been prepared and placed in public domain. Comments from various stakeholders (companies, Industry associations, think tanks, foreign governments) have been received. Meetings have been held under the chairmanship of Minister for Commerce & Industry with industry stakeholders, e-Commerce companies, associations of kirana stores, traders and retailers to discuss matters relating to e-commerce. The last such meeting took place on 24.06.2019.

This information was given by the Minister of State in the Commerce and Industry, Som Parkash, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.

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MM/SB

National e Commerce policy consultation advances as draft released and stakeholder comments inform regulatory framework for retail sector. National Retail Trade Policy formulation proceeded through comprehensive stakeholder consultations with trade associations and industry, including high-level video conferences and meetings to address small trader and retailer concerns. National e Commerce policy work was led by a Departmental Think Tank and Task Force with technical sub-groups; a draft was published for public comment and meetings with e commerce companies and retail associations were held to gather stakeholder feedback for the regulatory framework.