A positive impact on the Direct selling industry was recorded in the government enforced lockdown.
Telecom infrastructure witnessed it in Himachal Pradesh. Himachal Pradesh has also achieved a hundred percent electricity coverage. Oriflame India Corporate Affairs-Asia Director, Mr Vivek Katoch says increased prospects of working proactively in remote places in Lahaul Spiti, Kinnaur and Chamba districts for high speed connectivity of the Internet resulting in an boost in the market of Direct Selling industry in India.
Mr Katoch is also the treasurer of IDSA (India Direct Selling Association), he says IDSA has a view of increasing adoption of digital means of conducting business activities supported by the other industry initiatives of state government.
However, people associated with Direct Selling industry are worried about the growth of their business due to a strong telecom infrastructure.
Himachal Pradesh is one of the 13 states in India to have notified the Direct Selling Guidelines based on the model set notified by the Department of Consumer Affairs of the central government thereby paving way for the development of the industry in the state as well in the country.
According to the Annual Survey 2018-19 for Direct Selling industry in India, a total direct selling sale of Rs 23 crore was generated by Himachal Pradesh. It is a figure which is anticipated to grow robustly since the notification of Direct Selling guidelines in the state in July, 2019.
Himachal Pradesh is a major supplier of medicinal herbs and plants. As a significant number of Direct Selling companies are engaged in manufacture and distribution of Ayurvedic products, the state has become an attractive manufacturing hub for the Direct Selling industry,” Mr Katoch says. Direct selling is providing an opportunity to generate sustainable self-income, Direct Selling industry is also promoting the growth of MSME sector in the state.
The Union Government is all set to bring Direct Selling rules under the purview of Consumer Protection Act 2019 that will further strengthen the Direct Selling industry in the country as India is one of the fastest growing markets around the world for the business of Direct Selling. The future of Direct Selling in India is promising and states like Himachal Pradesh are poised to play a significant role in it.
