New Delhi: Former Union minister Smriti Irani has taken up the role of an advisor to the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT).
Praveen Khandelwal, Lok Sabha MP from Delhi and secretary general of CAIT, took to X to congratulate her.
“Honored to welcome @smritiirani Ji as an advisor to @CAITIndia. Her insights will be invaluable as we continue to work towards empowering traders and fostering community growth. Grateful for the opportunity to introduce her at our ‘Swar and Sangeet’ event yesterday at the Oberoi Hotel, Delhi,” he said.
Honored to welcome @smritiirani Ji as an advisor to @CAITIndia.
Her insights will be invaluable as we continue to work towards empowering traders and fostering community growth. Grateful for the opportunity to introduce her at our "Swar and Sangeet" event yesterday at the Oberoi… pic.twitter.com/H13ozKXN4G— Praveen Khandelwal (@praveendel) July 26, 2024
Khandelwal termed the move as “a significant step forward for @CAITIndia, and we are excited to see the positive impact @smritiirani guidance will bring to our community and initiatives”.
Speaking to ThePrint, Khandelwal said Irani will be helping the trading community upgrade and modernise their existing business format. “Also, she will help ensure how small businesses can contribute to nation-building and realising the goal of Make in India keeping in line with PM Modi’s vision,” he said.
According to a CAIT functionary, Irani will provide guidance and mentorship to the organisation.
Established in 1990, the body was formed to “consolidate the trading community of the country which is though self-organised, yet classified as unorganised and to protect their interest”. CAIT has in its network 40,000 trade associations and around eight crore traders.
Irani was among the many senior leaders who lost the Lok Sabha elections which saw the BJP retain power for a third term, albeit without a parliamentary majority.
The actor-turned-politician made headlines for defeating Congress leader Rahul Gandhi from Amethi in 2019 and lost the seat by a margin of 1,67,196 votes to Congress leader K.L. Sharma in the recently-concluded Lok Sabha elections.
According to sources, CAIT is planning to carry out major outreach programmes across the country in the coming few months. “Her rich experience in women empowerment and entrepreneurship will come handy in our expansion too,” said a functionary.
The traders’ body is considered close to the BJP and in 2019 had endorsed the BJP and NDA allies in the Lok Sabha elections.
Khandelwal was also fielded by the BJP in these polls.
(Edited by Tikli Basu)
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