New Delhi: On the occasion of International Women’s Day, the third edition of the Direct Selling – Women Entrepreneurs Summit 2026 was organized at Yashobhoomi, Delhi by the Association of Direct Selling Entities of India (ADSEI) in collaboration with the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT).
The event was inaugurated with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by Union Minister for Consumer Affairs Prahlad Joshi, Union Minister for Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal, Lok Sabha MP Praveen Khandelwal, and ADSEI President Sanjeev Kumar.
Addressing the women participants at the summit, Prahlad Joshi said that the direct selling industry is playing a significant role in transforming women into entrepreneurs. He highlighted that the industry, which was valued at around ₹3,000 crore in 2015, has now grown to over ₹30,000 crore, contributing approximately ₹3,600 crore in tax revenue to the government. Joshi added that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, clear regulations have been introduced to safeguard the interests of direct sellers and formally define the industry.
Speaking at the event, Arjun Ram Meghwal said that direct selling is helping women become self-reliant, which in turn strengthens the country’s economy. He noted that India has emerged as the world’s fourth-largest economy and is on track to become the third-largest, with women expected to play a crucial role in this progress. “Direct selling is empowering women with economic independence,” he said.
Lok Sabha MP and CAIT General Secretary Praveen Khandelwal said that through direct selling, women are realizing their dreams and gaining both financial and social empowerment.
Speaking to journalists on the sidelines of the event, ADSEI President Sanjeev Kumar said that the direct selling sector has gained a new identity since 2014 and is contributing significantly to national initiatives such as women empowerment, Atmanirbhar Bharat, Skill India, and the promotion of indigenous products.
Senior ADSEI officials including Gautam Bali, Hem Pandey, Jitendra Dagar, Arvind Atri, Chandra Bhan Singh Rajawat, and Dr. Bhawna Chaube were also present at the event.
During the summit, women achievers from the direct selling sector were honoured by the two Union Ministers for their outstanding contributions.
