Mumbai Mobile Distributor Association (MMDA) unites key industry figures to address challenges and drive growth. In an exclusive interview with Mobility Magazine, Mr. Mukesh Gupta, President, MMDA, Mr. Himanshu Shah, Vice President of MMDA, and Mr. Milind Karangutkar, Joint Secretary of MMDA shared the MMDA’s future plans, recent AGM insights, and their commitment to strengthening partnerships and addressing industry challenges.
Mr. Mukesh Gupta, President, MMDA
Since 2016, we’ve led discussions on key industry issues, notably the negative investments by retailers and the impact of mergers and acquisitions by new and existing chain stores, challenges that are increasingly affecting Mumbai and potentially all of India.
What are your plans for the future?
The purpose of this Association has always been to protect the interests of distributors. We regularly hold Core Committee and General Body meetings to address industry challenges and keep members informed on government regulations, including GST, TDS, TCS, and more.
What message would you like to convey to the viewers?
We act as a bridge between brands and retailers, striving to create a positive environment that benefits all stakeholders, including both brands and retailers.
Mr. Himanshu Shah, Vice President of MMDA
We had a highly productive Annual General Meeting (AGM) for the Mumbai Mobile Distributors Association in Lonavala. The gathering brought together key partners who have been invaluable to our journey, highlighting the strength of our distributor community. The core focus of this association is to empower distributors by fostering collaboration, securing markets, and bridging the gap between brands and retailers.
During the meeting, we explored the evolving dynamics of the business and the urgent needs of today’s market. A standout session was on GST and TDS patterns, where participants shared insightful perspectives. The discussion emphasized the importance of legal, profitable, and efficient business practices. Moving forward, we aim to bring in more expert speakers to further enhance our knowledge and enable our distribution partners to manage their businesses better.
We also discussed empowering our partners with the tools to manage their books and accounts effectively, particularly concerning GST. There’s a significant gap in practical solutions, and we’re committed to addressing this. As we advance, we envision creating a platform that provides real-time insights into market behavior, helping partners make informed decisions.
Future initiatives might include exploring retailer finance and negotiating discounts on MDR charges, empowering retailers to compete more effectively. The AGM was a win-win for everyone, filled with new ideas and fresh perspectives. We’re excited to continue this journey, striving to do what’s best for the industry, retailers, and brands alike.
What are the new thing you are planning for the future?
One of the biggest challenges in the market today is the unstable credit situation. Retail partners must understand that businesses with easy entry and exit points pose significant risks. By carefully evaluating partners and offering appropriate credit, we can guide them on how to grow their businesses securely. Additionally, we plan to bring in more speakers to empower our partners with knowledge across various areas—taxes, selling and collection skills, finance, HR, and investment strategies—strengthening our collaboration and fostering a more resilient partnership.
What message would you like to convey to your channel partners?
To all partners across India, I encourage you to join in strengthening our industry. Our association, now 8 years strong, has made great strides by supporting partners, retailers, and brands alike with an unbiased approach. Let’s unite, exchange ideas, and elevate our business practices. Together, we can take this initiative to the next level, benefiting everyone involved.
Mr. Milind Karangutkar, Joint Secretary of MMDA
After a gap of 2-3 years, today’s AGM was crucial in reuniting everyone under one roof, fostering stronger bonds within our community. We revisited the importance of regional groups and meetings, vital for data exchange on retailers, defaulters, and brand implications. Regular regional discussions will empower our organization, making it even stronger.
How many regional zones are there in Mumbai?
Bombay is divided into six key zones for strategic operations.
What are your primary goals for regional level?
We recognize that some issues are too complex for us to address on a larger scale. That’s why we’re implementing and activating regional groups. These groups will allow distributors to regularly meet and discuss local challenges, such as manpower, delivery issues, or municipal concerns. They will address problems and seek solutions with our support. The core committee and MMDA are always here to assist.
Could you brief on your plan for the future?
We’ll conduct monthly regional meetings and consult tax experts on GST and income tax issues. We plan to escalate these concerns to authorities and work towards effective solutions for our fraternity.
Any special message for the audience.
United we stand, divided we fall.
Covered By: Mobility India / MMDA
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