Direct selling industry in state grows by 9%; most are women sellers

Sowmya Raju | NT

Bengaluru: The direct selling industry in Karnataka has grown by 9 per cent in the financial year 2021-22, reaching over Rs 1,128 crore.

This growth was driven by the strong performance of women entrepreneurs, who make up 34,000 of the state's 78,000 direct sellers. The survey, carried out by Ipsos Strategy 3, shows that the State had a share of over 5.90 per cent of the overall national sales, which stood at over Rs 19,030 crore during the period.

Karnataka also contributed nearly Rs 170 crore to the exchequer by way of taxes. Rajat Banerji, Chairman, IDSA, at an event that facilitated some of the successful women entrepreneurs on July 18 said that the growth of the direct selling industry in Karnataka is a testament to the hard work of direct sellers and the support of the state government.

He also said that the industry is committed to providing sustainable selfemployment and micro-entrepreneurship opportunities for Indians. Director General and Inspector General of Police Shankar Mahadev Badri of the State who attended the event heartily congratulated the women entrepreneurs who were facilitated for their hard work.

He said. “Direct selling is one method of transferring goods without warrants to the consumer at minimum cost and women are the best at that.” Rajat Banerji, the VP of Corporate Affairs, Amway India told the media, “Over 70 lakh people have earned livelihood through Direct Selling in Karnataka and Karnataka stands 1st amongst southern states.

” Vivek Katoch, Vice Chairman of Idsa said, “The association itself is very women-centric and this gives an opportunity for women to work and earn while they are taking care of their families.”

The Indian Direct Selling Association (Idsa) is an autonomous, self-regulatory body for the direct selling industry in India. The association works to create an environment conducive to the growth of the industry.