The Government of India is committed to empower traders and wholesalers across the country by implementing various schemes and initiatives with the aim of promoting its business development. Through programs like NSIC, the government provides access to credit, technology upgradation, skill development and market linkage, making small and medium -sized enterprises capable of expanding their access to domestic and international levels.

These steps are designed to strengthen the ecosystem for business, reduce operational challenges and promote permanent growth for traders and wholesalers. Additionally, the government is actively working to streamline processes, increase digital infrastructure and promote innovation within trade ecosystems. By providing financial assistance, training and policy assistance, the government aims to help traders and wholesalers to score new heights, create employment opportunities and contribute to the economic development of the country.

The initiative reflects the government's commitment to the creation of a flexible and competitive business community that may rapidly flourish in the global market. The scheme is called Assistance to Wholesalers and Retail Traders (AWRT) for purchase of Materials/ Goods and Service against security of Bank Guarantee.

Purpose of the Scheme

In order to assist Wholesaler and Retailers belonging to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), having Udyam Registration Certificate, NSIC arranges to provide Working Capital Requirements. Assistance will be given for purchasing the goods from the wholesalers/manufacturers /Retailers which is not prohibited by law or opposed to public interest.

In case of traders involved in trading stock i.e “in commodity market” may not be considered for this purpose. Arrangement with Bulk Supplier and from the suppliers (other than with whom MOU arrangement is made) may be as under:

a. Bulk materials namely Aluminum, Zinc, Copper, Iron & Steel, Cement etc., which are arranged through NSIC entering into a Memorandum of Understanding with their manufacturers.

b. Materials/ goods from the suppliers (other than with whom MOU arrangement is made) on the specific request of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises.

Under both (a) and (b) arrangements, the supplier is selected by the MSMEs and payment at the request of unit is released by NSIC directly to the supplier.

This manual intends to impart the procedure and guidelines to all offices of the Corporation while providing assistance to MSME units as Wholesaler and Retailer for Material/ Goods and Service under our Raw Material Assistance Scheme (against the security of Bank Guarantee only).

Scope of the Scheme

 To establish a proper procedure for ensuring that Wholesalers and Retailers are served properly, and to impart guidelines to all offices of the Corporation while providing assistance to Wholesaler and Retailer (MSME units) for purchase of Material/ Goods and Service under Assistance to Wholesalers and Retail Traders termed as AWRT Scheme.

Meaning of Wholesaler- MSMEs units engaged in that form of trade in which goods are purchased and stored in large quantities and sold, in batches of a designated quantity, to resellers, professional users or groups, but not to final consumers.
Meaning of Retailers- MSMEs units engaged in buying products from a manufacturer or wholesaler and selling them to end users or customers.

Meaning of Agents which inter alia includes distributors, consignment agents, traders, commission agents- “Agents” means a person, including a factor, broker, commission agent, arhatia, del credere agent, an auctioneer or any other mercantile agent, by whatever name called, who carries on the business of supply or receipt of goods or services or both on behalf of another.

For the eligibility criteria for Wholesalers and Retailers (MSMEs) and other details, please visit
https://nsic.co.in/