Rekha launches trade body’s national skilling mission, aims to empower 2.5 million retailers

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Friday launched the Confederation of All India Traders’ (CAIT) National Skilling Mission ‘ARISE’ (All India Retailers Initiative for Skilling and Entrepreneurship) in collaboration with Coca-Cola India and the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC).

The initiative aims to empower 2.5 million small traders and retailers through digital and entrepreneurial training.

Calling ARISE a milestone towards self-reliance and innovation in the retail sector, the Chief Minister said such initiatives would strengthen trade, generate employment and promote skill development. “The Delhi Government’s goal is to make trade empowered, simple and seamless,” she said, adding that the mission will give India’s retail sector a new identity.

Highlighting ease of doing business reforms, Gupta said that, for the first time in Delhi’s history, GST refunds worth over Rs 700 crore were issued within six months. “We are making the refund process completely faceless and transparent so that traders no longer need to visit government offices unnecessarily,” she said.

She also emphasised the importance of branding and marketing, noting that in the modern marketplace, these skills are as crucial as product quality. “It is time for Indian entrepreneurs and traders to make ‘Made in India’ a global symbol of quality, pride and trust,” she said, congratulating all trade organisations and organisers for the collaborative effort.

The launch event, presided over by Chandni Chowk MP and CAIT Secretary General Praveen Khandelwal, was attended by senior officials, trade representatives, and industry leaders.

Khandelwal said ARISE marked a major step towards building a skilled and self-reliant trading community. “Under this mission, 25 lakh traders will be trained and digitally empowered. The campaign will begin from Delhi and Uttar Pradesh before expanding nationwide,” he said.

The programme will train traders in digital technology, financial management and market adaptability. It will also integrate Coca-Cola’s AI-powered ‘Coke Buddy’ platform to help kirana owners manage inventory and forecast demand.

Khandelwal added that the initiative embodies the spirit of Viksit Bharat and Atmanirbhar Bharat, ensuring that every skilled trader becomes a pillar of India’s economic growth.