A delegation of Indian Direct Selling Association (IDSA) and stakeholders met top officials of State Government here on Friday. Chavi Hemanth, secretary-general, and S. Subramaniam, chairman, IDSA, led the delegation.

Trade unions, local distributors and the academia were also represented, a spokesman said here.

This comes ahead of the meeting of industry stakeholders called here by the Chief Minister on Tuesday. On Friday, the delegation met with K. Jose Cyriac, chief secretary, and V. Somasundaram, additional chief secretary.

It discussed concerns of the industry, which it alleged was under constant harassment from various local authorities. Hemanth said that in 2011 the State Government had brought out draft guidelines for the direct selling sector. “But they have no legal binding,” she said.

NEW LAW

Need of the hour is enactment of a law to protect both consumers and industry that supports income generation through self employment.

P.A. Joseph, secretary, INTUC All-India committee and general secretary, Confederation of Direct Selling Distributors Association of India, echoed the sentiment.

The common distributor who follows Government guidelines was being harassed, he said.

DIFFERENTIATION SOUGHT

“These companies should be allowed to do business and their offices made operational.”

Hemanth said that industry wants clear differentiation to be made between fraudulent schemes and direct selling companies.

“We once again appeal to authorities to please issue clarification to law enforcement authority and avoid harassment.”

“We are looking forward to the meeting with the Chief Minister for clarity, protection and support,” she said.

>vinson.kurian@thehindu.co.in

Related Topics