Retail Trade Policy being framed

Hyderabad: After the ‘TS-iPASS’, the Telangana government is all set to bring another policy calling it as ‘Retail Trade Policy’ to improve its ranking in the ease of doing business in the country . Emulating Maharashtra, which has been successful in achieving good ranking in the ease of doing business after introducing its own retail policy, the TS government is also formulating the retail policy aiming to attract more investments in the retail industry.

• Vegetables, food grains will be available at low prices
• May come into force by Sept-end
• Maharashtra model being emulated

Under the new policy, government is proposing to set up Retail Entertainment Zones (REZs) as established in Maharashtra. Like SEZs, the new zones would invite investors to establish their own production and processing units and set up godowns to stock their produce. The zones would be created in the district head quarters, municipal corporations and trade concentrated urban areas. The proposal to promote retail hubs under Public Private Partnership (PPP) is also under consideration.

With the introduction of the new policy, state government is confident that state would secure below fifth rank in the ease of doing business. In the recent rankings released by the World Bank, Telangana stood at 16th position, while Andhra Pradesh achieved second rank. Officials told The Hans India that the new policy would not only promote retail industry but also help to make available essential goods like vegetables and food grains at competitive prices.

Once the policy comes into force, food and grocery business in retail would come under Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) as ‘essential services’ and also apply the relaxation of stocking limit under Essential Commodities Act (ECA), an official said it would also help to protect food and grocery business from closure during bandhs.

The policy would also provide relaxation of labour laws under the Shops and Establishments Act. The new policy would allow retail traders open 365 days of the year and give freedom to the managements with regard to working hours, work shifts, employment of part time workers and the maintenance of records. Measures to be taken to address the concerns of small grocery shop owners who are affected with the entry of corporates in the retail industry would also be included in the policy.

Official sources said that state Chief Secretary Rajiv Sharma called for a crucial meeting on Thursday with the officials of more than 10 departments including Industry, Labour and Employment, Civil Supplies, Municipal Administration and Urban Development and Finance to discuss the issues to be incorporated in the draft policy.

Sources said that the government is working hard to finalise the modalities in a month and forward the same to Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao for his nod. A team of officials conducted a study in the implementation of the policy in Maharashtra and prepared a detailed report. The policy is expected to come into force by the end of September this year, sources said.