RAI Delegation Holds Constructive Meetings in West Bengal and Telangana
In a series of high-profile meetings, a delegation from the Retailers Association of India (RAI) met with state officials in West Bengal and Telangana to discuss various operational issues facing the retail industry.
In West Bengal, the RAI delegation had a productive meeting with Shri. Barun Kumar Ray (IAS), Additional Chief Secretary of the Labour Department, and Smt. Sharmila Khatua, Labour Commissioner of the state. The delegation presented the possibility of granting 24×7 operational permissions for businesses in the state. Responding to the suggestion, the Hon’ble Secretary asked the Labour Commissioner and other officials present to study the proposal in depth.
Ray assured the delegation that he will consider allowing 24x7 home delivery services for restaurants and Quick Service Restaurants (QSRs). The meeting concluded on a positive note, promising further discussions and negotiations on the proposal.
In a parallel development, the RAI delegation also met with senior officials in Telangana. The meeting was chaired by the Additional Chief Secretary of Telangana, Mr. Rakesh Singh, and attended by Dr. S Selvakumar (IAS), Principal Secretary of the Commerce and Industries Department, Government of Karnataka, along with officials from the Industry Department and the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP). The delegation highlighted the challenges faced in obtaining trade licenses, focusing on the complexities of the current application process.
The RAI representatives argued that despite the application process and fee payment being online, retailers are still compelled to make multiple visits to the BBMP office to secure their licenses. They advocated for a more streamlined system, wherein an applicant would not need to physically visit the BBMP office if all required documents were in order and the applicable fees had been paid.
Furthermore, the delegation pointed out the inflexibility of the current portal, which lacks amendment features. They explained that in the current system, if any changes such as applicant details or premises area need to be made, the license has to be surrendered and a fresh one applied for.
Mr. Rakesh Singh responded positively to these concerns, assuring the delegation that he will consider their suggestions seriously.
Further updates from these meetings are expected to be communicated by the Retailers Association of India as discussions continue.
Ministry of Consumer Affairs Directs Retailers to Respect Consumer Privacy
The Ministry of Consumer Affairs has issued directives, emphasising the importance of consumer privacy during transactions. In a move aimed at protecting consumers' personal data, the Ministry has clearly stated that retailers should not take consumers' mobile numbers without their explicit consent during the sale of goods or services.
This action by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs resonates with growing concerns about privacy and the misuse of personal information in the era of digitized transactions.
The Ministry's advisory also included samples of grievances that had been registered by consumers. These cases underscored the intrusive nature of mandatory data collection during retail transactions, reinforcing the need for the new directive.
Separate limit for big chain Hypermarket under essential commodities Top of Form
In a significant development for large retail chains, the Government of India has taken into consideration a request from Retailers Association of India (RAI) for separate stocking limits of essential commodities in big chain stores and depots.
The move, if implemented, could significantly ease operational challenges for large retailers, particularly in the face of unforeseen demand surges or supply chain disruptions.
The RAI has consistently advocated for larger retailers serving extensive consumer bases, arguing that the current stock limit of 5 metric tonnes (MT) for big hypermarkets is inadequate. The association proposed that a retail store with a size of 10,000 square feet should ideally have a stocking limit of 15 MT for essential commodities.
This plea from the RAI represents the interests of many big retailers who, due to their wide consumer base, can face difficulties in maintaining adequate stock levels under the current regulations.
The Government of India's notification regarding the consideration of the RAI's request can be viewed here. Further details on RAI's submission to the government can also be accessed here.
The revision of these stocking limits would not only improve the operating conditions for larger retailers but also ensure a steady supply of essential commodities to consumers, particularly in periods of high demand.
RAI and the wider retail community are awaiting further information on the government's final decision regarding this important matter.
BIS Establishes New Quality Control Orders for Footwear
The Director-General of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), Sh. Pramod Kumar Tiwari, announced new Quality Control Orders (QCOs) for the footwear and textile industries in a media briefing held today. These orders, laying down strict benchmarks for quality, are aimed at ensuring the availability of high-quality products to consumers.
Tiwari announced that the QCOs would cover 24 footwear products under categories "Footwear made from leather and other materials" and "Footwear made from all polymeric and all rubber materials". Implementation of these QCOs will be mandatory from 1st July 2023 for manufacturing, importing, or selling these products. For five standards revised recently, manufacturers will be given a further grace period up to 1st January 2024 to comply.
Small-scale and micro-scale industries will receive additional leeway, with compliance dates set for 1st January 2024 and 1st July 2024, respectively. This move aims to ease the burden of compliance for these industries and support their growth.
To assist the industries in achieving these standards, test facilities have been set up in two BIS labs, two Footwear Design & Development Institute (FDDI) Labs, the Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI), and 11 private labs. Furthermore, the government has announced an 80% cut in testing charges for certified start-ups and micro industrial units.
BIS has also issued the Geo Textiles (Quality Control) Order, 2023, and the Protective Textiles (Quality Control) Order, 2023. These orders, applicable from 10th October 2023, bring 19 Geo Textile products and 12 Protective Textile products under mandatory BIS certification.
A 'Public Call Facility' initiative has been launched to make the process of standardisation more inclusive. This platform invites viewpoints, feedback, and suggestions from all stakeholders, leveraging modern communication technologies to drive a more robust and inclusive standardisation process.
In addition to these initiatives, BIS has launched the Manak Rath, an online exchange forum for mentors and students of Standards Clubs. The initiative aims to foster a culture of quality among students, transforming them into brand ambassadors of quality.
The Retailers Association of India (RAI) delegation attended the meeting chaired by the Honorable Minister Shri Piyush Goyal. Details of the QCOs issued by BIS for the Footwear industry can be accessed here.
The new QCOs highlight the government's commitment to enhancing product quality, protecting consumer interests, and fostering a culture of excellence in the Indian manufacturing sector.
RAI Hosts Advocacy Workshops in Kolkata and Mumbai
The Retailers Association of India (RAI), known for its efforts to elevate standards within the Indian retail industry, recently organized two successful advocacy workshops aimed at enhancing industry knowledge and skills.
The first event, an "Interactive Workshop on Mastering Contract Drafting, Trademarks & Music Licenses," took place in Kolkata on 18th May 2023. The workshop was a success, with around 20 participants attending, offering a chance for industry professionals to learn, network, and expand their skills. Feedback from the participants indicated that the event was informative and well-received.
In June, RAI continued its educational initiative in Mumbai with a "Certificate program in laws relating to Retail in India". This event, held on 21-22 June, attracted 31 participants. The program was designed to educate attendees on the legal aspects of retail in India, covering an array of topics vital for anyone involved in the industry. The program was highly commended by the participants, with RAI receiving excellent feedback.
These workshops are part of RAI's broader efforts to promote industry knowledge, professionalism, and best practices within India's retail sector. RAI's commitment to continuous learning and development is helping to raise industry standards and foster a more informed and effective retail workforce.
The successful outcome of these workshops further demonstrates the value of such industry-focused education initiatives and underlines RAI's role as a leading advocate for the retail industry in India.
