CAIT launches National Digital Nagrik Forum to voice rights of traders and consumers

New Delhi, Apr 21 (KNN) The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) has announced the creation of a National Digital Nagrik Forum, an online platform that aims to advance the rights of traders and consumers and other sections of the society.

It’s objective is to shape policy discourse around digital economy trade in India with a view to contribute to the Government of India’s vision of creating a trillion-dollar digital economy while maintaining an open, safe, trusted and accountable internet ecosystem.

The forum was launched by Union MSME Minister Narayan Rane on Wednesday in New Delhi at a two day National Conclave by CAIT.

It also aims to raise awareness about digital regulations and help build capacities of citizens to engage with innovation via expert sessions and instructional materials.

CAIT National President B C Bhartia & Secretary General Praveen Khandelwal said that the National Digital Nagrik Forum will focus on five core themes.

First pillar consists of consumer protection and online safety with a core focus on efficient grievance redressal.

The pitfalls of digital cartelisation and how a level-playing field is necessary to discourage discriminatory and anti-competitive practices in the online world are part of the second pillar.

Third, the potential of Indian digital technologies to not only transform retail and industrial trade, but also boost employment and expand the investment footprint.

Fourth, a first principles-based taxation policy that encourages certainty and productivity especially for sectors with high growth potential while preventing illegal activities such as tax evasion and money laundering.

Finally, the Digital Nagrik Forum will study emerging technologies such as blockchain and artificial intelligence, to assess their impact on retail trade and, at the same time safeguard consumers’ interests.

“The National Digital Nagrik Forum will work assiduously to help realise Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s dream of ‘Digital India’ vision. It will also play a pivotal role to help the government fulfill its agenda to make an Atmanirbhar Bharat in its journey to becoming USD 1 trillion digital economy over the next few years,” said both trade leaders.

“CAIT will involve stakeholders from the corporate and non-corporate sectors, MSMEs, farmers, consumer, experts and technocrats, among other relevant groups within the Forum,” Khandelwal added.

The National Digital Nagrik Forum will conduct awareness camps, digital and physical dialogues and trainings, as well as targeted outreach to stakeholders from government, private sector and civil society, including policymakers and other relevant stakeholders at the state-level towards realising its objectives.  (KNN Bureau)