TRS government is about to complete three years in less than a month. In June 2014, Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao said the government’s goal is to make the ‘Made in Telangana’ label a globally recognised brand for quality and innovation. In the span of three years Telangana has become a preferred investment center for national and international organizations.
The KCR government is coming up with a marketing plan for distribution of locally manufactured goods that are not available anywhere in the country. The strategy is to manufacture ninety percent of the goods and market it with “Made in Telangana” mantra. Thus, creating employment opportunities, promoting cottage industries and SME entrepreneurship, empowerment of women and farmers.
To further boost its position as ideal place for retail sector, Telangana government is formulating its retail policy. The retail policy is being designed by taking the suggestions of both the trading and retail community and is anticipated to be beneficial for both. The ‘Retail Trade Policy’ is being discussed for almost two years. The draft of the retail policy is ready but it is yet to be approved.
It is known that global brands like Walmart had already signed MOU while IKEA is planning to open its center in the state. Big domestic players including Reliance Retail, Bharti Retail, ABP, Big Bazaar, are also opting the young state. These brands will work with Kirana shops, mom and pop shops, hotels, restaurants, caterers and institutions.
Subsequently, at the village level, the government is providing incentives through bank loans to youngsters and women associations to set up cottage industries to produce certain specific types of products. The products made by these industries including DWCRA will be marketed at these retail firms. Special improvised training will be given for people to work in the retail markets along with these industries. Measures are being take to provide employment for the unemployed youth through the Telangana Skill Development Corporation.
Apart from these, through the retail policy the government will assure to give permissions through a single window policy. The government is proposing to set up Retail Entertainment Zones to attract large investments. Speculations are that officials are deliberating on these zones. Through this policy food and grocery business in retail would come under ‘essential services’ and will also apply relaxations of stocking limit. The government is planning to keep these retail markets functional for 365days. Women employees in the retail sector will be permitted to work beyond 10 pm, after taking care of all safety precautions. The enterprises will be given the opportunity for self-certification and filing of consolidated annual returns under various acts administered by the labor department. However, benefits of the policy will be given only to certain categories of retail.
