Direct Selling Sector offers opportunities
Anil Bahuguna, Joint Secretary, Department of Consumer Affairs, has stressed that companies in the Direct Selling business need a more robust and sound consumer grievance redressal mechanism to gain consumer confidence.
Speaking at the ‘5th Edition of DIRECT 2018’ organized by FICCI on 3 Dec 2018, Bahuguna said: “Customer base will further augment and strengthen if you have a robust grievance redressal system and care for customer and consumer.”
He further highlighted that Direct Selling companies have to be more self-regulated and self-disciplined than being dependent only on the legal framework set-up by the government.
Bahuguna also released the FICCI – PLR Chambers abstract ‘Implementation of Direct Selling Guidelines in States & Viewing the Direct Selling Industry with a Futuristic Lens’ on the Direct Selling Industry in India.
Bejon Misra, Founder, Consumer Online Foundation & Consumer Protection Policies noted that there were enough evidences amongst the FORTUNE 500 companies which demonstrates that investing on consumer centric marketing code makes business entities profitable and long-term sustainable.
“The Direct Selling Guidelines notified by the Indian Government in September 2016 is the right step to encourage adoption of global best practices for State Governments to consider regulating the business of Direct Selling and Multi-Level Marketing (MLM) and strengthen the existing regulatory mechanism on Direct Selling and MLM, for preventing fraud and protecting the legitimate rights and interests of consumers,” said Misra.
Rajat Banerji, Chairman FICCI Direct Selling Task Force & VP-Corporate Affairs, Amway India Enterprises, added that FICCI Direct provides a platform to bring together industry and government to deliberate on issues pertaining to Direct Selling industry.
“Implementation of Direct Selling guidelines in all the States is one such issue,” he highlighted.
Shilpa Ajwani, Managing Director, Tupperware India, highlighted the need for more women entering the direct selling business thereby making them more independent along with earning a good income. “This sector has the potential to create more employment opportunities.”
Suhaan Mukerji, Founding Partner, PLR Chamber, observed the strong growth in the Direct Selling Industry and providing entrepreneurship and employment opportunities with the able support of Government.
He noted that various State Governments were implementing the Model Guidelines issued by Ministry of Consumer Affairs.
Mukerji called for capacity building through partnerships between industry, government agencies and civil society as it is necessary to enable effective implementation and monitoring to protect consumer interest.
Samir Modi, Founder & Managing Director, Modicare Limited through his message, added: “The Direct Selling Industry today has a direct and high impact on our nation. It is empowering millions of Indians all over India, even in the smallest of villages and towns to achieve their dreams and build a strong nation.”
FICCI‐PLR Abstract – 2018 – ‘Implementation of Direct Selling Guidelines in States & Viewing the Direct Selling Industry with a Futuristic Lens, noted:
Direct Selling industry presents opportunities for the socio-economic growth of the country and its contribution to the public policy goals of the Indian Government.
The Direct Selling Guidelines 2016 have been monumental in their recognition of the Direct Selling industry and the metrics provided to distinguish it from fraudulent schemes.
Implementation of the Guidelines by the States is crucial to effectively address the needs for the industry as well as to protect consumer interests. fiinews.com
