National Traders’ Welfare Board
Meeting Reviews Trader Welfare, Digital Commerce and Export Promotion
Initiatives
Ø
NTWB
Discusses Trade Facilitation Measures; DigiDukaan Set
for Expansion Across Major Cities
Ø
Board
Focuses on Enhancing Export Competitiveness and Strengthening Stakeholder Engagement
Mechanisms
1. 10th
NTWB Meeting Held
·
The 10th Meeting of the National Traders’
Welfare Board (NTWB) was held on 23 June 2026 in New Delhi.
·
The meeting was conducted in hybrid mode,
allowing participation through both physical and virtual platforms.
2.
Promotion of Digital Governance
·
The hybrid format aligned with the Government’s
emphasis on:
o
Technology-driven governance.
o
Efficient use of public resources.
o
Reduced travel and administrative costs.
·
The meeting showcased the success of the Digital
India initiative in enhancing stakeholder participation and governance.
Review of
Trader Welfare Initiatives
3.
Assessment of Ongoing Programs
·
The Board reviewed various trader welfare and trade
facilitation measures being implemented across the country.
·
Discussions focused on improving awareness and
outreach regarding Central and State government schemes for traders.
4.
Rajasthan Trade Promotion Policy Highlighted
·
Members were briefed on the recently launched Rajasthan
Trade Promotion Policy.
·
Key features include:
o
Trade credit support.
o
Insurance assistance.
o
Promotion of digital commerce.
DigiDukaan Initiative
5.
Presentation on DigiDukaan
·
A detailed presentation was made on DigiDukaan, a digital commerce initiative aimed at
helping:
o
Small retailers.
o
Kirana stores.
o
Traditional traders.
·
The initiative seeks to integrate local businesses
into the digital economy.
6.
Successful Launch in Jaipur
·
The Board noted the successful launch of DigiDukaan in Jaipur on 19 June 2026 by Bhajan Lal
Sharma.
7.
Expansion Plans
·
Plans were discussed to expand DigiDukaan
to:
o
Mumbai
o
Bengaluru
·
A nationwide rollout is envisaged in later phases.
Strengthening
Stakeholder Engagement
8.
Coordination with Trade Bodies
·
The Board reviewed efforts to strengthen
coordination among:
o
Trade associations.
o
Chambers of commerce.
o
Trader organizations.
·
The objective is to improve representation of
trader concerns in policymaking.
9.
Regular Virtual Consultations
·
Chairperson Sunil J. Singhi informed members that:
o
92 nationwide weekly virtual conferences and
stakeholder interactions have been conducted so far.
·
These interactions facilitate direct engagement
between traders and government departments.
Key
Issues Discussed
10.
Taxation and Compliance
Members
discussed:
·
GST rationalization.
·
Simplification of compliance requirements.
·
One-time settlement mechanisms for legacy
liabilities.
11. Trade
and Export Promotion
Key
issues included:
·
Export promotion measures.
·
Logistics efficiency.
·
Port infrastructure development.
·
Plant quarantine procedures.
·
Import facilitation.
12.
Digital Commerce and Technology
The Board
deliberated on:
·
Adoption of digital commerce.
·
Integration with the Open Network for Digital
Commerce.
·
Expansion of digital platforms for traders.
13.
Financial Access
Members
highlighted the need for:
·
Affordable credit.
·
Improved banking services.
·
Lower merchant transaction charges.
14.
Social Security Measures
Discussions
covered:
·
Pension schemes for traders.
·
Social security benefits.
·
Support mechanisms for trader employees.
15. Women
Entrepreneurship
·
Greater support for women entrepreneurs and
women-led businesses was emphasized.
Additional
Concerns Raised
16.
Regulatory and Business Environment Issues
The Board
examined:
·
Food safety compliance.
·
Simplified licensing and registration procedures.
·
Strengthening State Traders’ Welfare Boards.
·
Appellate and dispute resolution mechanisms.
17. Quick
Commerce Challenges
·
Members discussed concerns arising from the rapid
expansion of quick-commerce platforms and their impact on traditional retail
trade.
18. MSME
and Service Exports
·
The Board emphasized:
o
Promotion of MSME exports.
o
Growth of service exports.
o
Improved institutional support for exporters.
Focus on
Export Competitiveness
19.
Enhancing Export Participation
Special
emphasis was placed on:
·
Increasing trader participation in exports.
·
Expanding MSME exports.
·
Improving awareness of export opportunities.
·
Strengthening export support systems.
20.
Global Competitiveness
·
Discussions focused on positioning India as a more
competitive global trading nation through stronger export ecosystems.
Institutional
Reforms
21.
Thematic Committees Proposed
·
Members supported the creation of:
o
Thematic committees.
o
Focused working groups.
·
These bodies would examine sector-specific issues
and provide structured policy recommendations.
22.
Continued Stakeholder Engagement
·
The Board agreed that continuous interaction with
stakeholders across sectors and regions is critical for effective policy
formulation and timely problem-solving.
Resolution
on Prime Minister Narendra Modi
23.
Resolution Adopted
·
The Board adopted a resolution congratulating
Narendra Modi on becoming the longest-serving elected Prime Minister in
India’s history.
·
The resolution acknowledged:
o
Over twelve years of service as Head of Government.
o
Contributions to governance, development, economic
reforms, and national security.
o
The vision of Viksit Bharat.
Remarks
by the Chairperson
24. Key
Reforms Highlighted
·
Sunil J. Singhi highlighted major reforms of the
past decade, including:
o
GST reforms.
o
Digital governance initiatives.
o
JAM (Jan Dhan–Aadhaar–Mobile) Trinity.
o
Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
o
Ease of Doing Business measures.
o
Initiatives supporting traders, entrepreneurs, and
small businesses.
25.
Impact of Reforms
·
He noted that these initiatives have:
o
Strengthened India's economic ecosystem.
o
Expanded opportunities for trade and
entrepreneurship.
o
Improved business efficiency and inclusion.
Conclusion
26.
Commitment to Trader Welfare
·
The Board reaffirmed its commitment to:
o
Policy advocacy for traders.
o
Digital empowerment.
o
Ease of Doing Business reforms.
o
Social security initiatives.
o
Stronger Centre–State coordination.
27.
Vision for Viksit Bharat 2047
·
NTWB reiterated its resolve to contribute to the
vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 by empowering traders, strengthening trade
ecosystems, and supporting inclusive economic growth.
Key
Takeaway
The 10th National Traders’ Welfare Board meeting
focused on digital commerce adoption, export promotion, GST simplification,
trader welfare, ONDC integration, and support for MSMEs. The launch and
expansion of DigiDukaan, stronger stakeholder
engagement, and efforts to improve export participation reflect the
government's broader objective of creating a modern, digitally empowered, and
globally competitive trading ecosystem.
The
10th Meeting of the National Traders’ Welfare Board (NTWB) was held on 23 June,
2026 in New Delhi, in hybrid mode. In line with the vision of the Government for
technology-driven governance, optimum utilisation of public resources and minimisation
of avoidable travel and expenditure, the meeting enabled participation of Members
from across the country through both physical and virtual modes. The hybrid format
ensured wider stakeholder participation and demonstrated the success of the Digital
India initiative in strengthening governance through digital connectivity and citizen-centric
innovation.
The
Board reviewed various trader welfare and trade facilitation initiatives being implemented
across the country. Members were apprised of the recently launched Rajasthan Trade
Promotion Policy, which includes provisions relating to trade credit support, insurance
assistance and promotion of digital commerce. The need to strengthen awareness and
outreach regarding Central and State Government schemes for traders was also emphasised.
A
detailed presentation was made on DigiDukaan, a digital
commerce initiative aimed at enabling small retailers and kirana
stores to participate effectively in the digital economy. The Board noted the successful
launch of DigiDukaan in Jaipur on 19 June 2026 by Rajasthan
Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma and appreciated the encouraging response received
from traders. Plans for expansion to other major cities, including Mumbai and Bengaluru,
followed by a nationwide rollout, were also discussed.
The
Board was informed about ongoing efforts to strengthen coordination among trade
associations, chambers of commerce and trader organisations across the country and
to ensure effective representation of traders’ concerns before policy-making authorities.
The Chairperson informed Members that 92 nationwide weekly virtual conferences and
stakeholder interactions have been conducted so far to facilitate regular engagement
between traders and officials from various Ministries and Departments.
During
the deliberations, Members discussed a wide range of issues concerning traders,
retailers, manufacturers, exporters and service providers. Key issues included GST
rationalisation, simplification of compliance procedures, one-time settlement mechanisms
for legacy business liabilities, export promotion measures, logistics and port infrastructure,
plant quarantine and import facilitation, digital commerce adoption, ONDC integration,
access to affordable credit, banking-related issues, merchant transaction charges,
pension and social security measures for traders, and support for women entrepreneurs.
The
Board also deliberated on issues relating to food safety compliance, ease of obtaining
licences and registrations, strengthening of State Traders’ Welfare Boards, concerns
arising from quick commerce platforms, promotion of local trade ecosystems, simplification
of appellate and dispute resolution mechanisms, facilitation of MSME and service
exports, and improved Centre-State coordination for effective implementation of
trader welfare initiatives.
Special
emphasis was laid on enhancing export participation by traders and MSMEs, increasing
awareness regarding export opportunities, strengthening institutional support mechanisms
and promoting India’s emergence as a globally competitive trading nation.
The
Board further discussed the need for thematic committees and focused working groups
to examine sector-specific issues and provide structured recommendations for policy
intervention. Members agreed that continued engagement with stakeholders across
sectors and regions would strengthen the effectiveness of the Board’s initiatives
and facilitate timely resolution of issues affecting the trading community.
The
meeting was chaired by Chairperson of NTWB Sunil J. Singhi.
At
the outset, the Board adopted a Resolution congratulating Prime Minister Narendra Modi on becoming
the longest-serving elected Prime Minister in India’s history. The Resolution acknowledged
his continuous service of over twelve years as Head of Government and recognised
his contribution towards good governance, inclusive development, economic reforms,
national security and the vision of Viksit Bharat. The Board expressed confidence
that under his leadership, India will continue its journey towards becoming a self-reliant,
prosperous and developed nation.
Addressing
the meeting, Chairperson Sunil J. Singhi highlighted the transformative reforms
undertaken during the past decade, including GST reforms, digital governance initiatives,
financial inclusion through the JAM (Jan Dhan-Aadhaar-Mobile) Trinity, Direct Benefit
Transfer (DBT), Ease of Doing Business measures, and initiatives aimed at empowering
small businesses, traders and entrepreneurs. He noted that these reforms have significantly
strengthened India’s economic ecosystem and expanded opportunities for trade and
enterprise.
The
meeting concluded with a reaffirmation of the Board’s commitment to creating an
enabling environment for traders through policy advocacy, digital empowerment, Ease
of Doing Business reforms, social security initiatives and stronger Centre-State
coordination. The Board reiterated its resolve to work towards the welfare and empowerment
of traders and their employees and to contribute actively to the vision of Viksit
Bharat 2047.
The
meeting was attended by non-official Members representing trade associations and
States/UTs from across the country, along with ex-officio Members from various Ministries
and Departments of the Government of India.