The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) founded in year 1990 came into existance after appraisal of post independent situation of India, in particular with regard to plight of traders which revealed that their problems in a broad way were attributed to the following factors:
(a) Trading activity was governed by manifold Acts, Bye-Laws and Regulations enacted by the Central Govt., State Govt
. & Local Bodies. (b) Some of the Acts which were formulated by the British Govt. and which have been rendered outdated in the face of prevailing ground realities, continue to be enforced. (c) Intricacies of laws appreciation of which is beyond capacity of a Trader of average knowledge, particularly self employed Trader because of constraints, means and limitations. (d) Difficulty in seeking redressel of genuine grievances because of lack of strong lobby of Traders. in recognizing vital role being played by Trading community in the field of economy of our Country. Besides notable contribution at the time of any natural crises and various philanthropic activities related to welfare of people. Dominated by aforesaid observations, few dedicated Traders in 1990 mooted an idea to constitute a Froum to handle problems of Traders and render effective service to them. Consequently during long span of all these years, the CAIT has attained status of an apex Body of Trading Community of India at National Level. Impressed by modalities of function of CAIT, the Traders across the Country extended excellent support to the extent that the CAIT in Delhi spread its wings all over the Country & operating its activities from its National Headquarter, “Vyapar Bhawan” at New Delhi Which is well equipped with needy infrastructure. The CAIT has a strong national network of organizational structure by having three tier operations i.e. National level, Regional level and State level.a. It has a National Governing Council comprising of about 100 trade leaders from different states of the Country. For the purpose of effective working , the CAIT has five regions namely East, West, North, South and Central and each region has a regional council having representation from states of respective region. c. It has CAIT State Chapters which are designated to coordinate with Trade Associations of respective States. RESEARCH WING:
Continuous research on issues concerning economy, trade and commerce and various policies of the Government is an ongoing process and hence the CAIT has constituted an independent research arm, the CAIT Research & Trade Development Society (Regd) which conducts regular research on core issues concerning trade. CAIT Vision :
To bring glory of Indian Traders in main stream of economy and nation and to create a business friendly environment in the Country beside upgrading and modernising existing format of retail trade and development of skills of the traders in India. CAIT Mission :
(a) To render best possible assistance to Trading Community. (b) To communicate with Administrators concerned to seek redress of legitimate grievances of Traders. (c) To impart education to Traders to upgrade their performance to render most satisfactory service to consumers by adhering to fair trading policy. (d) To lend full cooperation to the Govt. in streamlining existing business system. (e) To organize Seminars, Conference and lectures etc for imparting latest knowlwedge to traders about core issues concerning trading community. (f) To lay down code of conduct for Traders to pursue business activity based on integrity, fair play and render satisfactory service to consumers. (g) To render effective service to Traders, Units of CAIT have been setup in almost all the states and regular coordination is being maintained with them. Role Played By CAIT
It is matter of an immense satisfaction that the CAIT has played very important role, particularly in respect of the following issues:
(a) Replacement of Sales Tax by introduction of Value Added Tax system. (b) Process of Goods & Services Tax (GST) in India. (c) Formulation of rules for Carriage by Road Act. (e) FDI in Retail Trade. (f) FDI in E Commerce
(g) Separate Financial System for non corporate sector
(h) Inclusion of Traders in policy framework of the Government
(i) The Food Safety & Standards Act,2006
(j) Formulation of Master Plan in Delhi. (k) Sealing Drive of Business Establishments launched by Local Authorities. The CAIT is continuosly working on various issues. Some of the important issues are :
1.Simplification and rationalization of tax structure in India.
2. Abrogation of out dated laws governing trade and time needed amendments in existing tax and trade laws.
3. Strengthening of internal trade of India.
4. Striving to impress upon the Government to have a National Policy for Retail Trade.
5. Formation of a Ministry of Internal Trade both at Centre and State levels.
6. Up gradation and modernisation of existing retail trade of India.
7. Inculcation of best and modern business practices among traders
8. Providing needy assistance to traders for developing their business.
9. Making available banking facilities to traders on easy terms and without any hurdles.
10. Inculcation of education among traders and small industries to boost export prospects of their respective products. Government Recognition
(a) Inductment of nominee of CAIT in the BOARD OF TRADE constituted by Govt. of India. (b) Member, Joint Committee of Empowered Committee of State Finance Ministers on VAT & GST. (c) Member, Committe to form State Youth Policy, Maharashtra Govt. (d) Several CAIT leaders are representing trade in various Boards & Committees of Union & State Governments. MEDIA DEPARTMENT:
A separate media department works in CAIT Office under the direct charge of National Secretary General and which maintains coordination with national and international media both in electronic and print fraternity beside looking after the regional media of different states with the active assistance of CAIT State Chapters. CAIT WEBSITE:
CAIT website www.cait.in contains details and information about CAIT, latest updates in Government policies, write up on issues of great importance to traders
