Shri Praveen Khandelwal, Member of Parliament from Chandni Chowk and Secretary General of the Confederation of All India Traders( CAIT) , today sought clarity in the Lok Sabha on whether the Government is formulating a National Trade Policy with specific provisions for small and micro traders, the nature of consultations held, and whether feedback from traditional market hubs like Chandni Chowk has been incorporated.

In his response, Shri Jitin Prasada, Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, informed the House that a draft National Retail Trade Policy has been prepared. The policy has been framed after consultations with multiple stakeholders including Central Ministries, State Governments, and major industry and trade associations across the country.

The draft policy aims to prepare strategies for the overall development of retail trade

through targeted reforms. It places a strong focus on improving ease of doing business in the retail sector by reducing compliance burdens, ensuring easier access to credit for traders, and decriminalizing minor offences in retail trade. It also seeks to streamline licensing procedures, eliminate unnecessary renewal requirements, and implement inspection reforms. In addition, the policy emphasizes facilitating public service delivery through the creation of a single-window mechanism.

Shri Khandelwal welcomed the Government’s recognition of the role of traders in India’s

economic fabric and emphasised that inputs from traditional and heritage markets such as Chandni Chowk must be integral to the final policy framework.

He stated that micro and small traders are not just economic contributors but also custodians of India’s cultural and commercial heritage.

He added that policy reform for retail trade should not be limited to ease of doing business alone and must also preserve the vibrancy of traditional bazaars while enabling them to compete in the modern economy.

The proposed policy is expected to benefit millions of traders, particularly in dense urban markets, by cutting red tape, enhancing access to resources, and creating a more enabling ecosystem for growth.

Shri Khandelwal assured continued engagement with trader bodies to ensure that iconic markets of the country including Chandni Chowk, receive due policy attention in the final framework.