New Delhi: The 7th Board Meeting of the National Traders’ Welfare Board (NTWB) was held today at Vanijya Bhawan, New Delhi, under the chairmanship of Shri Sunil J. Singhi, marking his second term as Chairman. The meeting brought together Board members and officials from the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) to discuss key initiatives for India’s trading community.
Joint Secretary, DPIIT, Shri Sanjiv, in his welcome address, congratulated Shri Sunil J. Singhi on his reappointment and praised the Board’s ongoing commitment to advancing traders’ interests. He highlighted the pivotal role of the retail trade sector in India’s economy and encouraged members to provide inclusive, practical suggestions for the formulation of the National Retail Trade Policy, with a focus on participation from grassroots-level traders.
A central focus of the meeting was the ‘Vocal for Local’ initiative, aimed at strengthening indigenous industries and promoting Indian-made products. On the occasion, a poster titled ‘Garv Se Kaho, Ye Swadeshi Hai’ was released to encourage citizens to support locally manufactured goods. Board members pledged to act as ambassadors for the campaign to ensure its wider outreach across the country.
Chairman Shri Sunil J. Singhi also lauded the recently implemented Next-Gen GST Reforms, which came into effect on 22 September 2025. Highlighting the nationwide ‘GST Bachat Utsav’ campaign led by traders, he noted that the reforms have made a wide range of essential and consumer items more affordable. Small car buyers could save up to ₹70,000, while GST reductions on stationery, clothing, footwear, medicines, and tractors are expected to yield savings of 7–18%. In total, 375 items, including groceries, agri-equipment, clothing, medicines, and automobiles, have become more accessible to consumers under the new GST regime.
The Chairman reiterated the government’s commitment to fostering a conducive business ecosystem through simplification of procedures, reduction in compliance burden, financial support, and infrastructure enhancement. He added that representations from trade associations and members have been forwarded to relevant Ministries and Departments for appropriate action, and further suggestions are invited to improve awareness and access to government welfare schemes for the retail and trading sectors.