The recently concluded DQ Channels Association Survey gives a lot of fodder for thought for all the local bodies. Barring the top five associations, members of most of the other bodies keep complaining that these outfits did not have regular meetings.

The second complaint was that very few associations make an attempt to engage with their members to resolve local trading issues like payment defaults, resolving conflicts with distributors or organizing knowledge workshops. This is why several of the associations that were within the top 10 rank, last year have moved down several rungs. It is a classic case of the executive council of these bodies of not being in touch with the needs of their members.

The survey also showed how new entrants like Confed-ITA have managed to displace some of the old-timers. Around 10 new associations were part of the survey and most of them have got very good ranking from their own members. This is heartening because it means that the channel is aware of the need to have a unified body and there are people who don't mind devoting some time to improve the environment for the entire trade in their city.

Vinita Bhatia

It is imperative that these new associations do not emulate their older peers and lose touch with the ground realities-the problems plaguing their members.

An association is successful only as long as it can successfully address the immediate concerns of its members. This could be arbitration, creating workshops that impart skills to its members or organizing technical and business seminars. Not to forget, some light hearted get-togethers for the members and their families.

This is the only way an association can remain vibrant and successful. I hope the associations that have fallen down the ranks pay heed to this.

Vinita Bhatia
vinitavs@cybermedia.co.in

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