Retail policy in final stages, to foster women's participation

The national retail trade policy, currently at a finalization with a view to improve ease of doing business for retailers, and enable greater participation of women workers in the sector, among other favourable regulations designed for the country's small and large retailers, according to executives familiar with the development.

- Suneera Tandon 

"They (the government) are ready, it's a national policy which is more of a guideline of sorts. They are wondering whether they should really do it now from a timing perspective or maybe they'll wait till the general elections next year," said an executive at a retail industry association.

Additionally, a national portal is also in the works that will function as a platform for retailers to apply and track multiple licenses required to open and operate retail stores.

To be sure, the policy will work as a model policy providing a framework for states to create a uniform and favourable environment for the retail ecosystem.

India has a large and unorganized retail trade. In fact, the Indian retail industry contributes 10% to the country's GDP and generates employment for 8% of the population.