The National Traders’ Welfare Board (NTWB) has proposed a centralised loan portal with a 30-day processing timeline to make access to credit easier for traders and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The Board also discussed changes to the CIBIL score mechanism during its 11th meeting held in New Delhi on September 25, 2026.
The proposals are aimed at making the financing process more transparent and time-bound while addressing concerns related to credit assessment. The meeting covered several issues concerning trader welfare, access to finance, taxation, digital services and business facilitation.
Loan Access and Grievance Support
The Board discussed including traders in MSME facilitation committees and establishing dedicated grievance helplines for traders. These measures are intended to improve access to institutional assistance and help businesses address financing and other operational concerns.
Members also discussed issues related to GST, including refund delays, lengthy audits, input tax credit (ITC) anomalies, amnesty schemes and pending appeals. Other welfare-related matters included timely payments to government contractors, safeguards against technical penalties and relaxation in loan repayments during lean business periods.
The Board also stressed the importance of stronger coordination between the Centre and states to address issues affecting traders and improve the implementation of business and welfare measures.
Digital Initiatives and Export Promotion
Digital empowerment was another major area discussed during the meeting. The Board reviewed proposals to expand the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) and DigiDukaan to the district level.
Discussions also covered Women Entrepreneurship Facilitation Desks under NITI Aayog, POSH cells for grievance redressal and stronger mechanisms to address cyber fraud. The Board further examined ways to increase participation of traders and MSMEs in exports by improving awareness of export opportunities and strengthening institutional support.
DigiDukaan, an ONDC initiative focused on B2B procurement and kirana digitisation, currently has more than 19,000 retailers live across Hyderabad and Jaipur, according to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
State Welfare Boards and Upcoming Reforms
NTWB Chairman Sunil J. Singhi highlighted initiatives such as the Jan Vishwas Act, which rationalises 40,000 compliances, along with the establishment of State Traders’ Welfare Boards in Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. Written confirmations from Goa and Telangana were also noted during the meeting.
Members were also informed about forthcoming reforms, including the Consumer Protection (Amendment) Bill 2026, proposed to take effect from January 1, 2027. The meeting also covered the India-UK CETA negotiations, particularly in relation to export promotion.
The meeting concluded with the Board reiterating its focus on improving access to finance, Ease of Doing Business reforms, digital empowerment, social security initiatives, policy advocacy and stronger Centre-State coordination.
Disclaimer: This article is based on information released by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry regarding the 11th meeting of the National Traders’ Welfare Board. Proposals and discussions mentioned above should not be treated as final rules or implemented measures unless formally notified by the concerned authorities.