RAI has submitted a representation to FM, PM and RBI governor to reconsider the reintroduction of Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on UPI and RuPay transactions.
RAI has proposed that the:
1. Cost of UPI transactions is nothing to do with the size of UPI transaction,hence a flat fee of 25paisa per transaction can be introduced across all merchant sizes to sustain digital payment growth.
2. Explore subsidies or tax incentives to offset bank costs, ensuring a win-win for all stakeholders.
Click here to view RAI's submission: https://bit.ly/3R1TEQM
Program was conducted at Hall No. 6, Bombay Exhibition Centre, NESCO Goregaon, Mumbai on 28th February 2025. The program saw participation of 30 delegates.
The presenters were Adv. Gopal Naik from Vision Law; Mr. Sanjay Gupta, CEO, Omega QMS Pvt Ltd; Mr. Tarun Goel, Founder & MD, Omega QMS Pvt Ltd; & Mr. Prateek Bansal, Partner, White & Brief Advocates & Solicitors.
Participants had a fruitful discussion with the speakers and RAI received a good feedback for the program.
RAI delegation had a meeting with Dr. S. Selva Kumar, Principal Secretary, Commerce & Industries Department, Govt. of Karnataka and Shri Uma Shankar, Additional Chief Secretary to Government, Urban Development Department to discuss trade license issue in the State of Karnataka.
The delegation requested officials to explore exemption of non-food retail from the applicability of trade license. It was conveyed to the delegation that the proposal will be discussed internally within the department.
Shri Uma Shankar had assured the delegation that they will simplify the licenses process soon and make it completely faceless.
The Government will also enable instant download of the license upon payment of requisite fee.
Key actions extracted from the draft rules:
1. Establishment Responsibility:
Implement measures to ensure a safe working environment for transgender persons, including equal opportunities regarding infrastructure, equipment, benefits, promotions, and other employment-related issues.
2. Equal Opportunity Policy:
A) Provide an equal opportunity policy for transgender persons, including details of the complaints officer.
B) Display the policy on the establishment's website or in conspicuous places within the premises.
3. Infrastructural Facilities and Safety:
A) Provide unisex toilets, safety measures (transportation, guards), and amenities (hygiene products) to transgender employees.
4. Equal Service Conditions:
A) Ensure that transgender persons have the same rights and service conditions as other employees.
5. Confidentiality:
The Packaging and Labelling regulations are undergoing frequent changes, requiring any new declarations to be printed on the packaging within one month from the date of notification.
Due to these changes, the earlier inventory of packaging often goes to waste. RAI had raised concerns about the significant national wastage caused by the destruction of unused packaging inventory.
In line with this, FSSAI had earlier notified that any changes will take effect from July each year, subject to a minimum implementation period of 180 days. As a corresponding action, Legal Metrology department has now also issued the similar direction to this regard. Please click on the link below to view the order: https://bit.ly/3Ebl5El
Timeline for the Compliance of Amendments in Labelling Provisions
Dear Members,
The Packaging and Labelling regulations are undergoing frequent changes, requiring any new declarations to be printed on the packaging within one month from the date of notification.
Due to these changes, the earlier inventory of packaging often goes to waste. RAI had raised concerns about the significant national wastage caused by the destruction of unused packaging inventory.
In line with this, FSSAI had earlier notified that any changes will take effect from July each year, subject to a minimum implementation period of 180 days. As a corresponding action, Legal Metrology department has now also issued the similar direction to this regard. Please click on the link below to view the order:
https://bit.ly/3Ebl5El
Regards,
TEAM RAI
RAI delegation had a meeting with Dr. S. Selva Kumar, Principal Secretary, Commerce & Industries Department, Govt. of Karnataka and Shri Uma Shankar, Additional Chief Secretary to Government, Urban Development Department to discuss trade license issue in the State of Karnataka.
The delegation requested officials to explore exemption of non-food retail from the applicability of trade license. It was conveyed to the delegation that the proposal will be discussed internally within the department.
Shri Uma Shankar has assured delegation that they will simplify the licenses process in the next 3 months and make it completely faceless.
The Government will also enable instant download of the license upon payment of requisite fee.
We shall keep you posted on any development in this regard.
RAI delegation had a meeting with Dr. S. Selva Kumar, Principal Secretary, Commerce & Industries Department, Govt. of Karnataka and Shri Uma Shankar, Additional Chief Secretary to Government, Urban Development Department to discuss trade license issue in the State of Karnataka.
The delegation requested officials to explore exemption of non-food retail from the applicability of trade license. It was conveyed to the delegation that the proposal will be discussed internally within the department.
Shri Uma Shankar has assured delegation that they will simplify the licenses process in the next 3 months and make it completely faceless.
The Government will also enable instant download of the license upon payment of requisite fee.
RAI delegation had a wonderful meeting on 21 January 2025 with Dr PS Puniha - Chairman – Taxation committee, NITI Aayog and Shri Sanjeet Singh - Sr. Adviser, NITI Aayog. A committee has been formed under NITI Aayog to facilitate discussion with Government and industry on issues specially related to taxation.
Delegation had an Interactive discussion on proposed GST Hike on Apparel, Shoes, Handbags, Cosmetics, Watches, etc, which are of different price range (Premium Products). The delegation sought NITI Aayog’s support to pursue the Govt to abandon any GST rate revision on premium products and maintain status quo by continuing with the existing rates. RAI delegation also submitted a representation to CEO NITI Aayog Mr B.V.R. Subrahmanyam.
The officials appreciated our views and assured their support. The committee chairman guided the delegation to share data with international case studies and numbers to justify how increase in GST rate will lower Government's revenue, job loss and make the economy suffer.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued guidelines for Food Business Operators (FBOs) engaged in e-commerce to enhance food safety practices:
1. FBOs must train last-mile delivery personnel to ensure food safety.
2. Food and non-food items should be delivered separately to prevent cross-contamination risks.
3. All product claims on e-commerce platforms must be consistent with the information on the product's physical label.
4. FBOs must implement mechanisms to ensure their products comply with the FSS (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020.
5. Food products must have a minimum shelf life of 30% or at least 45 days remaining before expiry at the time of delivery.
6. E-commerce platforms are encouraged to display the FSSAI License/Registration numbers and Hygiene Ratings of the sellers.