India renames DIPP adding additional responsibilities

India recently changed the name of the Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion (DIPP) to the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, with enhanced responsibilities in four new categories: promotion of internal trade (including retail trade); welfare of traders and their employees; facilitating ease of doing business; and start-ups.

Earlier responsibilities included general industrial policy, administration of the Industries (Development and Regulation) Act, 1951, industrial management, productivity in industry, and matters related to e-commerce.

The inclusion of the promotion of internal trade in the name and responsibilities of the body has been welcomed by the Confederation of All India Traders, according to Indian media reports.