Guwahati (Assam) [India], January 22 (HBTV): The direct selling industry in Northeast India has witnessed a significant surge, with sales reaching INR 1,854 crore in 2022-23, up from INR 1,599 crore in the previous year.

Assam, being the 9th largest direct selling market in the country, has emerged as a leader in the region, accounting for INR 1,009 crore in sales and a 4.7% national market share.

The Indian Direct Selling Association (IDSA) disclosed these figures at the 2nd Northeast Direct Selling Conference and Expo in Guwahati. The event highlighted the industry's growth prospects and its potential to provide self-employment opportunities to over 4.2 lakh direct sellers in the region.

The region, which accounts for 8.7% of the INR 21,282 crore national turnover of the direct selling industry (DSI), provides self-income opportunities to over 4.2 lakh direct sellers, the IDSA disclosed, adding that Assam, with INR 1,009 crore in sales, 13% year-on-year growth, and a 4.7% national market share, is leading the charge, supported by over 2.4 lakh direct sellers.

Combined, the other seven states contribute INR 845 crore: Nagaland INR 227 crore, Mizoram INR 156 crore, Arunachal Pradesh INR 78 crore, Tripura INR 72 crore, Meghalaya INR 19 crore, and Sikkim INR 5 crore. Notable growth rates were seen in Mizoram (31%), Sikkim (25%), Nagaland (22.7%), and Manipur (20%).

The industry contributes around INR 300 crore annually to the exchequer of northeastern states, reinforcing its role in the region's development, the IDSA highlighted.

Anasua Dutta Barua, Secretary, Consumer Affairs, Government of Assam, said in her keynote address, 'While creating a conducive environment for the direct selling industry under the regulations, the state is committed to safeguarding the interests of consumers.'

Underscoring the need to ensure the product's quality for consumers, she offered all the help to the industry from her department, which also aboard IDSA as a subject matter expert in the Monitoring Committee, set up in compliance with the Consumer Protection (Direct Selling) Rules 2021.

'The government is working towards creating an effective mechanism to ensure companies adhere to direct selling rules,' she added.

Riniki Bhuyan Sharma, Chairman and Managing Director of Pride East Entertainment, expressed her admiration for the contributions of women to society and national development.

She emphasised that 'women, once venturing beyond the traditional confines of the home, have achieved remarkable success across various fields.'

Highlighting the entrepreneurial spirit of women in the direct selling sector, she praised their ability to set inspiring examples through their achievements. Sharma congratulated the women honoured at the event and commended the IDSA for organizing such initiatives, which serve to motivate others to join this transformative journey.

Vivek Katoch, Chairman, IDSA, said, 'Northeast continues to be among the key and priority markets for the DSI. The growth figures reflect that it is poised for new horizons, reaffirming the relentless hard work of direct sellers. The industry, growing at more than 12% rate at the national level, has provided self-employment for nearly 86 lakh Indians. The IDSA member companies can confidently lay claim to successfully protecting consumer interests as well as those of over 4.2 lakh direct sellers in the region.'

He said ten states, including Assam, have so far established monitoring committees in line with the rules. The other states are to follow suit.

The daylong event witnessed brainstorming by industry leaders, experts, and policymakers on crucial topics such as industry growth, regulatory frameworks, consumer awareness, reforms, policy advocacy, and interactive sessions for the empowerment of women and youth through direct selling opportunities.

It comprised recognition of 45 women entrepreneurs from the region for their achievements in direct selling, product ramp walks in traditional Northeast attire, and a grand exhibition that showcased the innovations and diversity of the direct selling industry.

Rajat Banerji, Secretary IDSA, CEOs of various member companies, and Ruchi Bhardwaj Barua, fitness and nutrition coach, were among the dignitaries, along with a large number of direct sellers present at the event. (ANI)