The National Traders’ Welfare Board (NTWB) reviewed measures to strengthen trader welfare, improve ease of doing business, expand access to finance, promote digital adoption and increase exports at its 11th meeting in New Delhi on September 25. The meeting was chaired by NTWB Chairman Sunil J. Singhi.

Members considered the inclusion of traders in micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) facilitation committees, along with a proposal for a centralised loan portal with 30-day timelines. Discussions also covered reforms to the CIBIL score mechanism and the creation of dedicated grievance helplines for traders.

The Board examined issues related to the Goods and Services Tax (GST), including rationalisation, refund delays, lengthy audits, amnesty schemes, input tax credit anomalies and pending appeals. Other matters included timely payments to government contractors, safeguards against technical penalties and more flexible loan repayment arrangements during lean periods.

Digital initiatives discussed at the meeting included expanding the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) and DigiDukaan to district-level markets. Members also considered Women Entrepreneurship Facilitation Desks under NITI Aayog, Prevention of Sexual Harassment cells for grievance redressal and stronger mechanisms to address cyber fraud. DigiDukaan, described by the Ministry as an ONDC-backed business-to-business procurement and kirana digitisation initiative, has more than 19,000 retailers operating across Hyderabad and Jaipur.

The Board emphasised increasing export participation among traders and MSMEs through greater awareness and stronger institutional support. Singhi reviewed progress under the Jan Vishwas Act, which rationalises 40,000 compliances, as well as State Traders’ Welfare Boards established in Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. Written confirmations from Goa and Telangana and progress on District Facilitation Centres were also noted. The meeting covered the Consumer Protection (Amendment) Bill 2026, proposed to take effect from 1 January 2027, and India–UK CETA negotiations, before reaffirming the Board’s focus on policy advocacy, social security and Centre–State coordination.