Dear Friends,

I trust this message finds you in good health and high spirits. I am thrilled to update you on the recent developments and accomplishments within our Dealer Community.

I am excited to inform you about Project Lakshya 2.0, which was recently undertaken in Bengaluru. The executive committee of FADA convened for two intensive days of strategic planning focused on sculpting the vision and mission of our association for the forthcoming two years. This critical endeavour was spearheaded by Prof. Raghunath, a distinguished authority on Strategy at IIM Bangalore, with valuable assistance from Prof. Madan Mohan.

To ensure the successful realization of our ambitious vision, we identified key elements and formulated several missions designed to propel us forward. This strategic initiative marks a significant leap in our journey towards excellence. I look forward to sharing these missions with you periodically, as your involvement is pivotal in accelerating our collective progress towards achieving these goals.

FADA’s Vyapar has come full circle with the 16th edition, held in Delhi, marking the second occurrence of its kind in the city since its inception in 2017. Themed 'Driving Success, Together,' the event was hosted at the Holiday Inn, Aero City, New Delhi. Vyapar Delhi witnessed an impressive turnout of over 150 participants, including Dealer Principals, CEOs, representatives from financial institutions, and government officials.

It was an honour to have the esteemed presence of the Hon’ble Transport Minister of Delhi, Mr. Kailash Gahlot Ji, as the Chief Guest. His acknowledgment of FADA's role in providing a platform for dealers to address challenges and devise strategies for enhancing the ease of doing business was truly appreciated.

In my address, I highlighted FADA's initiatives, including our Green Initiative of distributing saplings with vehicle sales and our Road Safety campaign, promoting helmet and seatbelt usage. Ms. Garima Misra, Chairperson of Delhi & Chairperson of WIF, emphasized the vital contribution of the dealer community to the economy and employment sector.

The Vyapar Delhi event featured informative sessions with 15 speakers and collaboration with 9 partners, focusing on topics such as Ease of Doing Business, Automotive Skilling, and Business Opportunities for dealerships. We also had fruitful discussions on compliance, tax structures, pollution, and vehicle registration.

Notably, discussions included the opening of Registered Vehicle Scrappage Facility and Automotive Testing Station, with the Director of MoRTH, Mr. Paresh Goel Ji, addressing concerns raised by dealers.

I hope those of you who attended the program found the sessions both informative and insightful. Those who could not attend but would like to benefit from the day’s program/Sessions interaction may make use of the videos posted on the FADA website.

I take this opportunity to thank the Hon’ble Transport Minister, Mr. Kailash Gahlot Ji, for taking time out to grace the event and address the dealer community despite his busy engagements. I would also like to thank Dr K.S. Jayachandran, IFS, Member Secretary, Delhi Pollution Control Committee, Government of NCT of Delhi; Mr. Rajesh Kumar, IRS, Additional Commissioner of GST and Customs, Directorate of International Customs; Mr. Sanjay Saxena, Chief General Manager, Delhi Transport Corporation, Government of NCT of Delhi; Mr. Paresh Goel, Director, MoRTH; Mr Kartick V Nagpal, President, Rosmerta Technologies Ltd; Mr. Vinkesh Gulati, Chairman of FADA Academy & Research & Vice President, ASDC; Mr. Arindam Lahiri, CEO, Automotive Skill Development Council (ASDC); Mr. Himanshu Gupta, Founder & CEO; and Mr. Gautam Saraf, Managing Partner & Chief Growth Officer, Lawyered.

I would like to place on record my gratitude to our partners for the event: Powered by Partners Rosmerta Technologies Ltd; Silver Partners - RealBooks and ICICI Lombard; Bronze Partners: Cholamandalam Investment & Finance Company Limited; Orient Bodys Shop Solution Private Limited; Ready Wire; Sheerdrive; SG Finserve Ltd; and Magma HDI.

Special thanks and sincere appreciation to the entire team of FADA Delhi Chapter Members led by Chairperson Ms. Garima Misra & Regional Directors, who worked tirelessly in making this a seamless event. I also like to thank my colleagues in the Managing Committee and the team at FADA Secretariat for giving their constant support and cooperation in organizing such a successful event.

Moving forward, I'm delighted to highlight initiatives from our state chapters. Under the leadership of Mr Manoj Kurup, Chairperson of FADA Kerala, the FADA Kerala chapter organized meetings across the Thrissur, Kannur, and Kasargod Districts. Approximately 17 dealer principals participated in these gatherings. Mr. Kurup provided comprehensive insights into FADA's ongoing initiatives, shedding light on the issues being addressed by the Federation both at the central and state levels. He attentively addressed the concerns raised by attendees. Such collaborative sessions not only advance the objectives of the Federation but also foster trust and confidence among members of the dealership community, thereby encouraging more dealers to join the Federation.

FADA Rajasthan orchestrated a helmet distribution drive in partnership with the Regional Transport Office, advocating for road safety on International Women’s Day. Furthermore, FADA Rajasthan under the leadership of State Chairperson Mr Sharvik Shah arranged a Holi Milan event to unite the dealership community in the State, fostering a sense of camaraderie. The event was honoured by the presence of Mr Prem Chand Bairwa, Deputy Chief Minister, Government of Rajasthan, as the esteemed Chief Guest. Additionally, our commitment to community engagement and ongoing learning is showcased through FADA Rajasthan's Online Training Sessions for dealer community in Rajasthan aimed at digitally uploading signatures during vehicle registration.

In Raipur, FADA Chhattisgarh in collaboration with Lawyered, introduced the 'Lawyer on-The-Spot' program, which garnered positive feedback from both the dealer community and customers. The event saw the presence of esteemed senior officials from the Chhattisgarh Transport department, including Mr. S Prakash, Transport Secretary; Mr. D Ravi Shanker, Additional Transport Commissioner; Mr. Shailabh Sahu, Assistant Transport Commissioner (IT) & RTO Durg; and Mr. Kirtiman Singh Rathod, RTO Raipur. This innovative initiative aims to promptly provide legal assistance and resolve road-related legal issues.

Our advocacy efforts continue with engagements such as the meeting between FADA MP led by State Chairperson Mr Ashish Pande and the Transport Commissioner of MP, focusing on streamlining vehicle registration processes and legal matters; & with our representation on ITC eligibility under GST Law to all GST Council Members. I am happy to share that the Hon'ble CM of Meghalaya has forwarded our petition to the Law Committee, GST Council Secretariat, New Delhi, reflecting progress in our endeavours.

Furthermore, the launch of FADA Academy's 'Excellence in Excel' training program underscores our commitment to skill development and operational excellence. The Intermediate & Advanced programs in excel for dealership employees are for a duration of 12 hours each, and at the end, the students, based on their performance in the test, will be awarded a Certificate of Completion of the course. The course will conclude in the first week of April 2024.

I'm also pleased to report the successful virtual holding of our 311th Governing Council Meeting, demonstrating our adaptability and efficiency in conducting important organizational affairs, even in challenging times.

FADA West Bengal Chapter under the leadership of State Chairperson Mr. Soham Misra organised a GST workshop at ITC Royal Bengal, Kolkata, providing a fantastic opportunity for members to address queries regarding GST Notices and ongoing assessments. The members were provided with the valuable insights shared by esteemed senior counsel Mr. Rip Das.

Lastly, I invite your participation in the upcoming FADA Dealership Excellence Awards 2024 nomination and Dealership Satisfaction Study Survey on Finance & Insurance companies, with results to be announced at our 3rd Finance & Insurance Summit in June to be held in Mumbai. More details on the same will be shared shortly.

In conclusion, I extend my heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering support and dedication. Together, we are shaping the future of automotive retailing and achieving remarkable milestones.

Wishing you all a joyous Holi and continued success in your endeavours.

Yours sincerely,

Manish Raj Singhania,
President - FADA