National Traders' Welfare Board 10th Meeting Overview
The 10th Meeting of the National Traders' Welfare Board (NTWB) was conducted on June 23, 2026, in hybrid format from New Delhi, enabling participation from members across India through both physical and virtual modes. The meeting demonstrated the success of Digital India initiative in strengthening governance through digital connectivity and citizen-centric innovation.
Trade Facilitation and Digital Commerce Initiatives
The Board reviewed various trader welfare and trade facilitation initiatives being implemented nationwide. Members were informed about the recently launched Rajasthan Trade Promotion Policy, which includes provisions for trade credit support, insurance assistance, and promotion of digital commerce. 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 platform was successfully launched in Jaipur on June 19, 2026, by Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, with plans for expansion to Mumbai and Bengaluru followed by a nationwide rollout.
Stakeholder Engagement and Coordination Mechanisms
The Board was informed about ongoing efforts to strengthen coordination among trade associations, chambers of commerce, and trader organizations across the country. The Chairperson reported that 92 nationwide weekly virtual conferences and stakeholder interactions have been conducted to facilitate regular engagement between traders and officials from various Ministries and Departments. The Board emphasized the need to strengthen awareness and outreach regarding Central and State Government schemes for traders.
Key Issues Discussed
During deliberations, Members discussed a wide range of issues concerning traders, retailers, manufacturers, exporters, and service providers. Key topics included GST rationalization, 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.
Additional discussions covered food safety compliance, ease of obtaining licenses 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.
Export Competitiveness and Thematic Committees
Special emphasis was placed 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 discussed the need for thematic committees and focused working groups to examine sector-specific issues and provide structured recommendations for policy intervention.
Resolution and Leadership Recognition
The Board adopted a Resolution congratulating Prime Minister Narendra Modi on becoming the longest-serving elected Prime Minister in India's history, acknowledging his continuous service of over twelve years as Head of Government. The Resolution recognized his contribution towards good governance, inclusive development, economic reforms, national security, and the vision of Viksit Bharat.
Chairperson Sunil J. Singhi highlighted 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.
Conclusion and Commitment
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.