National Traders’ Welfare Board Reviews Initiatives for Retail Traders Welfare

New Delhi: The Second Meeting of the National Traders’ Welfare Board (NTWB) took place at Vanijya Bhawan, New Delhi, with Union Minister for Commerce & Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, and Textiles, Sh. Piyush Goyal, leading the discussions.

In his special address, Minister Goyal underscored the importance of NTWB and its objectives in promoting the welfare of retail traders. He highlighted the proactive steps taken by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) for the benefit of traders. Minister Goyal directed the board to organize regular interactive sessions to keep traders informed about various schemes and policies related to internal trade. He emphasized that these sessions would facilitate trade representatives in providing relevant suggestions.

Shri Sunil J. Singhi, Chairman, NTWB, informed the board that suggestions gathered from traders during outreach programs across 24 states have been forwarded to Line Ministries/Departments for effective resolution. He also reported that State Governments have been urged to form State Level Boards and District Level Committees for Retail Traders.

An action taken report from the last meeting held on December 5, 2023, was presented during the session. Members were briefed on various initiatives undertaken by DPIIT and other ministries for the welfare of retail traders. The meeting sought suggestions and inputs from members to enhance the adoptability and scalability of these schemes.

The gathering comprised members nominated by the Central Government, representing Trade Associations and States/UTs, along with ex-officio members from Nine Ministries/Departments of the Government of India. The collaborative efforts aim to address the concerns of retail traders and enhance the overall welfare of the sector.