Budget 2026: Retailers Demand Consumption Boost, Tax Relief, National Retail Policy

• Retailers Association of India (RAI) urges the government to focus on consumption-led growth, tax relief, and a National Retail Policy for Budget 2026-27.
• RAI highlights retail's crucial role, contributing nearly 10% of GDP and employing 50 million people, with the market projected to double to $2 trillion by 2032.
• Key recommendations include lower personal taxes to boost purchasing power, regulatory simplification, and affordable finance for MSMEs through schemes like a dedicated retail finance fund via SIDBI.
• RAI also advocates for continued support for digital payments, technology adoption (subsidized POS systems), and recognizing food and beverage retail as an essential service.
• The association seeks full parity for retail and wholesale traders under the MSME framework and wider adoption of the Model Shops and Establishments Act, 2016.

Why It Matters: RAI calls for Budget 2026 to prioritize consumption, tax relief, and a National Retail Policy to boost India's retail sector.