Retailers Urge Government to Reconsider Zero Distance Policy at Jan Aushadhi Kendras
The PMBJK Retailers' Association has appealed to the government to reassess the zero distance policy, which permits multiple outlets in close proximity. They argue this will harm existing retailers' profitability and seek increased trade margins and financial backing due to recent GST changes.
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- India
In a move that could significantly impact the operations of Jan Aushadhi Kendras, the PMBJK Retailers' Association has called upon the government to reconsider the zero distance policy. This policy currently permits the opening of multiple outlets in close proximity, a change that retailers claim would threaten their profitability.
Representatives from ten states recently met with senior government officials to discuss the revised guidelines, which eliminate the mandatory distance of 1 km between stores in cities with populations over ten lakh. According to Suresh Mittal, the Association's General Secretary, the new framework could severely impact existing store revenues.
The retailers are also advocating for an increase in trade margins from 25% to 35% and are seeking financial support to counteract losses incurred due to GST changes implemented in September 2022. As of June 2025, more than 16,000 Jan Aushadhi Kendras are operational nationwide.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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