MAY 21: The 6th meeting of the National Traders’ Welfare Board (NTWB) was held on 20th May 2025 at Vanijya Bhawan, New Delhi, bringing together key stakeholders to discuss policy development and support for India’s vast retail trade sector.
Addressing the gathering, Shri Sanjiv, Joint Secretary at the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), highlighted the significant role of the retail sector in India’s economic framework. He urged the Board members to submit inclusive and grassroots-level inputs to aid in the formulation of the National Retail Trade Policy, which aims to address the needs of small traders and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across the country.
Shri Sunil J. Singhi, Chairman of the NTWB, chaired the session and emphasized key provisions from the Union Budget 2025–26 that support small businesses. He reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to improving the business environment through regulatory simplification, financial support, and improved infrastructure. A commemorative magazine titled “Journey of the National Traders’ Welfare Board” was unveiled, showcasing the Board’s key initiatives and progress since its establishment.
One of the central themes of the meeting was the ‘Vocal for Local’ campaign, which promotes indigenous goods and domestic manufacturers. Shri Singhi encouraged all members to champion the initiative in their States and Union Territories. A symbolic pledge was taken by attendees to serve as ambassadors for the movement, reinforcing its nationwide momentum.
In line with the Government’s digital vision, Shri Singhi also spoke on the importance of digital transformation for empowering India’s small retailers. He promoted the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) as a valuable platform to expand market reach, improve earnings, and bring small traders into the formal digital economy. Members were urged to facilitate onboarding of local retailers onto such digital platforms.
He also informed that various concerns and suggestions submitted by trade associations had been forwarded to relevant Ministries for resolution. The Chairman invited further ideas to improve outreach and awareness of government welfare initiatives within the retail community, reinforcing the Board’s role as a key link between traders and policymakers.