The Ministry of Commerce has set up a six-member committee to improve the RELIEF program, which helps exporters handle rising shipping and logistics costs. This move is part of the ₹25,060-crore Export Promotion Mission. The new panel aims to remove roadblocks that have previously slowed down the distribution of government funds to Indian businesses facing global supply chain risks.
The Ministry of Commerce has formed a new six-member committee to improve the way the Resilience and Logistics Intervention for Export Facilitation (RELIEF) program operates. This program is part of the broader ₹25,060-crore Export Promotion Mission designed to support Indian companies that have been hit by rising freight costs and supply chain instability. The initiative aims to provide a buffer for exporters who are struggling with higher shipping insurance and logistics expenses, particularly when dealing with unpredictable maritime routes.
The committee consists of officials from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), the Department of Commerce, the Department of Financial Services, and the Export Credit Guarantee Corporation of India (ECGC). By bringing together representatives from these different wings, the government hopes to better synchronize policy-making with ground-level execution. The panel is tasked with reviewing how the program has functioned so far, analyzing why the uptake of funds by exporters has been slow, and reconciling the remaining budget.
For many Indian businesses, logistics costs have been a major factor in recent quarters, often eating into profit margins. When shipping costs rise unexpectedly, it creates a financial burden that can hurt cash flow for export-oriented sectors like textiles, chemicals, and engineering goods. The government's decision to form this committee reflects an attempt to move from just announcing policy to actually making sure the financial support reaches the companies that need it.
The committee will now look at structural bottlenecks that have previously limited the use of available funds. By fixing these gaps, the ministry hopes to ensure that the ₹25,060-crore allocation acts as a truly functional support mechanism rather than a fund that is difficult for companies to access. The government is signaling a more proactive approach to trade facilitation as global logistical challenges persist.
Investors who monitor export-heavy sectors should watch for future updates regarding the committee’s findings and any changes in how these funds are distributed. The key monitorable will be whether the government can successfully lower the barriers for exporters to claim support. If the committee’s recommendations lead to faster and smoother deployment of funds, it could help support the financial health of businesses that rely heavily on international trade in the coming periods.