**Executive Summary**
The 8th Meeting of the National Traders' Welfare Board (NTWB) was held on January 9, 2026, in New Delhi, to review initiatives aimed at strengthening the retail trade sector. Key discussions revolved around enhancing awareness of NTWB activities, GST reforms, the "Vocal for Local" initiative, and digital transformation. The meeting emphasized the government's commitment to supporting traders' welfare through various policies and schemes.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **NTWB Initiatives:**
* Members were encouraged to enhance awareness of NTWB initiatives and activities, including virtual interactive sessions.
* Representations from trade associations and Members were forwarded to relevant Ministries and Departments for action.
* Suggestions were invited to improve awareness and outreach of welfare schemes for the retail trade sector.
* **GST Reforms:**
* The Board was briefed on next-generation Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms and their positive impact.
* The "GST Bachat Utsav" campaign was highlighted as an example of the trading community's appreciation for GST reforms.
* **"Vocal for Local" and "Swadeshi Sankalp Daud":**
* The Board emphasized the importance of the ‘Vocal for Local' initiative.
* Discussions were held on taking the 'Swadeshi Sankalp Daud' nationwide from January 12th to 23rd.
* **Digital Transformation:**
* Importance of digital transformation in retail was stressed.
* Small traders were urged to use platforms like the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC).
* **Future Policies and Schemes:**
* Future policies will prioritize traders' welfare through capacity building, financial support, social security, market linkages, and grievance redressal.
**Impact Analysis**
**Traders:**
* **Impact:** Traders will benefit from increased awareness of welfare schemes, digital transformation opportunities, and government support through future policies and schemes designed to improve their competitiveness and prosperity.
* **Action Required:** Leverage platforms like ONDC for digital commerce, participate in the 'Swadeshi Sankalp Daud', and engage with NTWB initiatives and virtual interactive sessions to stay informed and provide input.
**Ministries and Departments:**
* **Impact:** Relevant Ministries and Departments are responsible for addressing representations from trade associations and implementing necessary actions to support the retail trade sector.
* **Action Required:** Take necessary action on representations received from trade associations and Members, and collaborate to enhance welfare schemes and support for the retail trade sector.
**Citizens:**
* **Impact:** Citizens are encouraged to participate in initiatives like 'Swadeshi Sankalp Daud', thereby promoting indigenous industries and locally made products.
* **Action Required:** Participate in 'Swadeshi Sankalp Daud', embrace the spirit of Swadeshi in production and consumption, and support locally made products.
Key Entities Referenced
National Traders' Welfare Board (NTWB): A board focused on the welfare of traders in India.
Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT): Department under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry responsible for promotion of industry and internal trade in India.
Ministry of Commerce & Industry: The ministry responsible for international trade and commerce in India.
Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC): A platform intended to expand market access for small traders in India through digital transformation.
Goods and Services Tax (GST): The indirect tax levied on the supply of goods and services in India.
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
8th Meeting of National Traders’ Welfare Board
Reviews Initiatives to Strengthen Retail Trade
Sector
प्रव तथ: 09 JAN 2026 7:59PM by PIB Delhi
The 8th Meeting of the National Traders’ Welfare Board (NTWB) was held at Vanijya Bhawan, New
Delhi, under the chairmanship of Shri Sunil J. Singhi. Addressing the meeting, Joint Secretary,
Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Shri Sanjiv, highlighted the importance
of the retail trade sector in the Indian economy and encouraged Members to enhance awareness about the
initiatives and activities of the NTWB, including virtual interactive sessions. He appreciated the leadership
of the Chairperson and observed that the progress achieved by the Board reflects effective coordination
and a clear vision.
The Chairperson, Shri Sunil, apprised the Board of the major initiatives undertaken towards achieving its
objectives. He informed that representations received from trade associations and Members had been
forwarded to the concerned Ministries and Departments for necessary action. He invited suggestions from
Members to further enhance awareness and outreach of welfare schemes related to the retail trade sector.
He also briefed the Board on the next-generation Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms and their
positive impact on traders and consumers. He referred to the nationwide traders-led campaign, “GST
Bachat Utsav”, which reflects the trading community’s appreciation of the transformative GST reforms
implemented under the leadership of the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. He reiterated the
Government’s commitment to creating a conducive business environment through simplified procedures,
reduced compliance burden, financial support and improved infrastructure.
The Board emphasized the importance of the ‘Vocal for Local’ initiative to boost indigenous industries
and promote locally made products. In this context, discussions were held on taking the ‘Swadeshi
Sankalp Daud’ nationwide from 12th to 23rd January, encouraging citizens across the country to
participate and embrace the spirit of Swadeshi in both production and consumption.
The Chairperson further stressed the importance of digital transformation in the retail sector and urged
small traders to leverage platforms such as the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) to expand
market access and enhance income opportunities. It was highlighted that future policies and schemes will
continue to prioritize traders’ welfare through capacity building, financial support, social security
measures, market linkages and transparent grievance redressal mechanisms. Reaffirming the mission and
vision of the Board, the Chairperson stated that sustained efforts would ensure traders remain competitive,
secure and prosperous in the evolving economic landscape.
The meeting was attended by non-official Members representing various trade associations and States and
Union Territories, along with ex-officio Members from nine Ministries and Departments of the
Government of India***
Abhishek Dayal/Shabbir Azad/Anushka Pandey
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