NEW DELHI — Accelerating trade and commerce is critical to expanding India’s economy and achieving the goal of a developed nation, Union Minister for Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal stated on Sunday. Speaking as the Chief Guest at the National Traders’ Conference and Bhamashah Felicitation Ceremony, organized at the Constitution Club of India to mark the 45th Foundation Day of the Bharatiya Udyog Vyapar Mandal (BUVM), Meghwal assured the business community that the Central Government remains committed to resolving key trader concerns regarding GST, online trade, and regulatory hurdles.
The landmark conference, presided over by BUVM National President Babulal Gupta and conducted by Senior General Secretary Mukund Mishra, brought together nearly 1,000 trader delegates representing 24 states and two Union Territories. Prominent parliamentarians and public representatives, including Lok Sabha MP Vijay Baghel, Rajya Sabha MP Sadhna Singh, and former MP Bhairav Prasad Mishra, also attended in support of the trading community.
Push for ‘Local for Global’ and District-Level Economic Growth
Emphasizing economic decentralization, BUVM National President Babulal Gupta urged the government to expand the district-level economic development target from 500 to 1,000 districts. He highlighted that promoting local trade, production, and tourism under the “Local for Global” vision will boost employment, support Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), and connect traditional skilled crafts directly to global markets.
The convention championed the principle of “Investment in the District, for the District” alongside the establishment of dedicated trader assistance groups across every district in the country.
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Major Demands Submitted to Central Government
During the business sessions, delegates outlined several critical policy demands aimed at safeguarding small and traditional brick-and-mortar traders against unequal competition from e-commerce platforms and retail malls. Key legislative and fiscal proposals finalized for submission to the Central Government include:
Tax Rationalization: Implementation of a “One Nation–One Mandi Tax” policy and capping the mandi cess at 0.50%.
GST & Regulatory Relief: Introduction of an amnesty scheme for pending GST and old VAT cases, exemption/relief from GST on rented commercial premises, reduction in interest rates on delayed GST payments, and simplification of FSSAI regulations.
E-Commerce Regulation: A comprehensive regulatory framework to curb predatory practices in online trade and level the playing field for small businesses.
Honoring the Legacy and Looking Ahead to 2027
Leaders at the convention paid tribute to BUVM founder, the late Shyam Bihari Mishra—a four-time Member of Parliament who initiated the national trader protection movement 45 years ago. His vision, speakers noted, has successfully unified business leaders from Kashmir to Kanyakumari into a formidable advocacy voice.
Concluding the event, National President Babulal Gupta announced that BUVM will organize a grand “Local to Global National Trade Conference” at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, in January 2027. The upcoming conference will focus on driving youth entrepreneurship, boosting local manufacturing, and accelerating the “One City–One Product” initiative.