An interactive session on BIS regulations on footwear was organized with Shri Som Prakash - Minister of State for Industry and Commerce, GOI. Dr N Mohan represented on behalf of RAI and took the officials around various shoe factories and explained the issues on BIS as well as suggestions on way forward.

The Honourable Minister of State promised help.

The interactive session was attended by various officials of DPIIT and MD FDDI. We are pleased to inform that RAI's continuous engagement with DPIIT and BIS has resulted into extension of BIS standards on footwear by another one year till 30 June 2023.

In the meantime, RAI will continue its advocacy efforts with DPIIT for ease of implementation.

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The Food Safety & Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) had issued the Food Safety & Standards (Labelling & Display) Regulations vide Notification dated 17th November 2020, which were to be implemented by 17th November 2021.  In this regard, RAI met Shri Arun Singhal, Hon. FSSAI CEO, who considered our request and provide an extension up to 1st July 2022, to implement the new regulations. However, despite the extension, local authorities insist on immediate implementation of the order. In this regard, RAI has sought Hon CEO’s intervention concerning the implementation of the order.

A delegation from RAI met Shri Jayesh Ranjan, Hon. Principal Secretary - Industries, Government of Telangana. The delegation expressed concerns over the Advertisement policy issued by GHMC in 2020. The delegation also mentioned the hefty fines which have been levied by the GHMC & notices issued to members which were detrimental to the Ease of Doing Business in the State.

Hon. Secretary asked the delegation to submit a representation & assured the delegation to look into the matter. Furthermore, Hon Secretary would discuss this matter with Shri KT Rama Rao, Hon. Minister of Industries, Government of Telangana.

The State Government of Andhra Pradesh had issued a notification exempting retailers from the advertisement tax. Despite the notification, members have informed RAI that the local municipal authorities are charging advertisements tax. In this regard, RAI has appealed to the State Government to instruct the local authorities to exempt retailers from the payment of advertisement tax.
 

RAI was requested by the Karnataka Government to submit inputs regarding the national retail trade policy. RAI had a couple of online meetings with VTPC to discuss the input for the policy.
 

Members informed RAI regarding the notices they started receiving after the State Government approved the implementation of the Marathi Signage Rule concerning signboards. In this regard, RAI has appealed to the State Government seeking their support considering the current situation to ensure business regrowth since such a move will be detrimental to the retailers who are already struggling to cope up with the losses incurred during the pandemic. RAI stated that retailers are putting efforts to increase footfalls and sales while following COVID appropriate behaviour, and any additional compliance will bend the backs of the retailers who are already displaying the name board in Marathi Font.

The Government of Bihar had restricted the operation of Malls in the State to curb the spread of the virus. While malls remained shut, member’s informed RAI that local authorities were forcing Stand-alone shops to be shut.

In this regard, RAI appealed to the State government to instruct the local authorities to permit the operation of Stand-alone shops. Furthermore, RAI also appealed to the State government to reopen malls.

The State Government of Haryana had issued restriction on the operations of retail shops and malls. The State Order stated that the retail establishments have to shut at 5 pm. In this regard, RAI appeal to the State Government to extend the hours of operations to reduce overcrowding, subject to following of COVID appropriate behaviour. Subsequently, the State Government permitted shops to remain open upto 7pm. RAI has further requested the State Government to extend hours of operation to ensure social distancing, and help revive the business.
 

RAI submitted a representation to Delhi Govt w.r.t. the State Order No. F.60/DDMA/COVID-19/2021/500, dated 28 December 2021. In its representation to Hon. Chief Minister, RAI appealed regarding the urgent need for allowing Shops and malls to be kept open every day to avoid overcrowding & ensure social distancing. Furthermore, RAI emphasized on the need of daily store operations to aid the retailers recover from the aftermath of the pandemic and the business losses.

The state government considered our request and withdrew the restrictions, including shutting shops on odd-even days, and weekend curfew. RAI has also requested the State Government to permit extended operating hours for shops.

RAI has submitted a representation to the State Government of Karnataka to withdraw the weekend curfew. RAI appealed to the Government that restricted working hours or weekend curfew would increase people movement during the rest of the days detrimental to social distancing.