Shri Sunil J. Singhi briefed the Board on major initiatives and shared that representations from trade associations and members have been forwarded to relevant Ministries and Departments for action. Members were invited to provide suggestions to further improve awareness and outreach of welfare schemes benefiting traders.
The meeting underscored next-generation Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms and their positive impact on traders and consumers. The nationwide “GST Bachat Utsav” campaign, driven by traders, was highlighted as an example of the trading community’s appreciation for transformative reforms implemented under Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s leadership.
Promoting ‘Vocal for Local’ and Swadeshi Initiatives
The Board emphasized the importance of promoting indigenous industries and locally made products through the ‘Vocal for Local’ initiative. Discussions included preparations for the upcoming nationwide “Swadeshi Sankalp Daud” scheduled from January 12–23, encouraging citizens to embrace Swadeshi practices in both production and consumption.
Digital Transformation and Market Access
Chairperson Shri Sunil stressed digital transformation in retail, urging small traders to adopt platforms like the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) to expand market reach and income opportunities. The meeting reinforced that future policies will focus on capacity building, financial support, social security, market linkages, and transparent grievance redressal mechanisms.
Participation and Collaboration
The meeting included non-official members representing trade associations and various States and Union Territories, along with ex-officio members from nine government ministries and departments. This diverse representation highlighted the NTWB’s commitment to inclusive dialogue and practical solutions for traders across India.