National Policy on Retailing

National Policy on Retailing

This article is on the backdrop of Traders' Attack on Reliance Fresh Outlet in Ranchi.

There should be a National Policy on Retail Sector immediately. Also, the MNCs and Large Corporate houses should be banned from specific sectors in retailing. The Food Corporation of India and other similar bodies in the Public Sector should play a major role in ensuring best prices to the consumers, small traders and farmers as well.

The government should come out with a proactive policy on the same which is justifiable to Indian circumstances and be acceptable to all. The Policy should not benefit only a few industrial houses or MNCs. It should focus on equal distribution of wealth, upliftment of farmers and small traders and should provide ease and convenience to consumers. Public discussion should be held in all major cities to generate a national consensus.

Based on the experience of last few years in the retail sector, the government should take into confidence all sections of the society and economy. On the one hand, the consumers' best interests should be ensured such as quality product at reasonable prices and accessibility to market. While on the other hand they should not destroy the existing retailing structure comprising of millions of marginal traders in India, should be focussed upon.

Before further diley daley and more attacks on organized retail players which is equivalent to vandalizm, the central government should spell out the much needed policy at the earliest in the best interest of all.