ONDC Adoption Pushed for Small Traders
National Traders' Welfare Board Chairperson Sunil J Singhi on Sunday urged small traders to join the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), stating that the government-backed platform can help businesses participate more effectively in India's growing digital economy. Speaking to ANI on the sidelines of the Utkarsh 2026 Business Summit in Odisha, Singhi highlighted the Board's efforts to bring more small businesses onto digital commerce platforms.
Grievance Redressal and State-Level Board Proposed
Singhi said the Board is also working to improve grievance redressal for traders and has proposed setting up a state-level traders' welfare board in Odisha. "We have also appealed for the meaning and benefits of ONDC and to be connected with it," Singhi said. He noted that the National Traders' Welfare Board has been holding regular virtual interactions with traders across the country to address their concerns. "Through the National Traders Welfare Board... on every Monday... the smallest traders, to solve their problems... can connect to the VC link," he added.
Discussion with Odisha Chief Minister
Singhi also revealed that he has discussed with Odisha Chief Minister the need to establish a state-level traders' welfare board in the state to strengthen institutional support for the trading community. "I have also talked to the Chief Minister of Odisha about making a state board here. And a district committee will be formed, through which every month there will be such a meeting under the Collector, through which there will be convenience and stability in business," he said.
Government Measures for MSME Sector
According to Singhi, the National Traders' Welfare Board was created by the Government of India to address issues faced by traders, including regulatory compliance and other business-related concerns. He also referred to recent government measures aimed at supporting the MSME sector, including changes in the MSME definition and an increase in the credit guarantee limit. "The definition of MSME has been changed, the credit limit has been changed from 5 crores to 10 crores," Singhi said while outlining the government's initiatives for traders and small businesses.
