National Retail Trade Policy must include grassroots participation: DPIIT

‘Vocal for Local’, digital transformation key to empowering small traders and MSMEs: Shri Sunil J. Singhi

The 6th meeting of the National Traders’ Welfare Board (NTWB) was convened at Vanijya Bhawan, New Delhi, on 20th May 2025.

During the meeting, Joint Secretary, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Shri Sanjiv underscored the vital contribution of the retail trade sector to the Indian economy. He called upon the Board members to provide constructive and inclusive suggestions towards the formulation of the National Retail Trade Policy, with a particular emphasis on participation from the grassroots level.

Chairman of the National Traders’ Welfare Board (NTWB), Shri Sunil J. Singhi chaired the meeting and outlined several trader- and MSME-centric announcements from the Union Budget 2025–26, reiterating the Government's commitment to creating a conducive business ecosystem through simplification of regulatory processes, financial assistance, and infrastructure development. On this occasion, a special magazine titled "Journey of the National Traders’ Welfare Board" was released, documenting the milestones, initiatives, and achievements of the Board since its inception.

A key focus of the meeting was the ‘Vocal for Local’ initiative aimed at promoting indigenous industries and locally manufactured goods. Shri Singhi urged all Board members to actively advocate for this initiative in their respective States and Union Territories. All members present took a symbolic pledge to act as ambassadors of the movement, thereby strengthening its reach and impact across the country.

Shri Singhi also emphasised the role of digital transformation in empowering India’s small traders. He encouraged the adoption of digital platforms like the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), noting that such initiatives can significantly enhance market access and income opportunities for small retailers. Members were urged to support the onboarding of local traders onto such platforms to ensure their integration into the digital economy.

The Chairman informed that various representations from trade associations and Board members had been forwarded to the concerned Ministries and Departments for appropriate action. He invited further suggestions to improve awareness and outreach of Government welfare schemes for the retail sector.

The meeting was attended by non-official members nominated by the Central Government, representing Trade Associations and various States and Union Territories, along with ex-officio members from nine key Ministries and Departments of the Government of India.

National Retail Trade Policy inclusion of grassroots participation urged; digital transformation and vocal for local promoted for traders. National policy direction emphasises inclusive formulation of a National Retail Trade Policy with mandated grassroots participation, calling for submissions from Board members and enhanced outreach of Government welfare schemes; representations from trade associations have been forwarded to Ministries for action. The Board also promoted the Vocal for Local initiative and digital transformation through onboarding of local retailers onto platforms like the Open Network for Digital Commerce to expand market access, alongside Budget commitments to regulatory simplification, financial assistance, and infrastructure development for traders and MSMEs.