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Retail leaders at a CII panel proposed a national retail licence to simplify India's complex, state-wise approval system. They recommended a digital, single-window platform with time-bound approvals and uniform norms to reduce compliance burdens. India's retail market, valued at over USD 1.3 trillion and expected to reach USD 2 trillion by 2030, is expanding fast in Tier II-V cities due to digitization and affordability. Industry experts emphasized that the move could improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, and attract more investment, but careful coordination between central and state governments is essential.
Retail industry leaders at a recent CII panel suggested that India adopt a unified "one?nation, one?retail licence" system to reduce the burden of multiple state?wise approvals. Spencer Retail CEO Anuj Singh highlighted that retailers currently need numerous licences to operate in different states, which increases operational complexity and costs. He proposed a digital, single?window system with time-bound approvals to bring uniformity across the country and improve ease of doing business. Advertisement
Singh also pointed out that better coordination between the central and state governments is necessary to align rules and reduce regulatory duplication. The retail sector, currently valued at over USD?1.3?trillion, is among the fastest-growing globally and is expected to reach USD?2?trillion by 2030. Growth is being driven by digital adoption, omni-channel retail models, and increasing affordability, while Tier II to Tier V cities are emerging as significant consumption hubs.
VMart MD Lalit Agarwal described a single-window clearance system as a 'dream,' noting that retailers often struggle to track licence renewals, differing local regulations, and compliance deadlines. Rajesh Jain from the Retailers Association of India added that while communication with government agencies has improved, more effort is needed to simplify business processes. He emphasized that reforms should also focus on boosting consumer incomes and streamlining business regulations, as seen after VAT removal, to reduce costs and support retail expansion.
Retailers also discussed the potential benefits of a uniform licensing system for foreign and domestic players, highlighting that clearer rules and faster approvals could attract more investments into the sector. The industry expects that simplification of licences will not only ease compliance but also improve competitiveness and operational efficiency, helping smaller retailers scale alongside larger chains.
Source PTI
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