The Oldest Consumer Retail Chain of India 🇮🇳
Did you know that India’s first and largest consumer retail chain was neither Reliance, Star Bazaar, More, nor Spencer’s? The country’s pioneering consumer retail network was in fact, the government’s very own multi-state cooperative society—Kendriya Bhandar.
Established in 1963, Kendriya Bhandar was founded with the mission of providing essential consumer goods to central government employees and their families. Over the decades, it has grown into India’s largest chain of consumer retail stores, offering essential goods at cost-effective, discounted prices.
Even after six decades of operations, Kendriya Bhandar continues to stand strong in Retail space amidst competition from both Indian and multinational retail giants. With a staggering turnover of over ₹4,300 crores, a diversified product portfolio, and a nationwide presence, Kendriya Bhandar remains a trusted name in retail.
🚢 Meet the Captain of the Ship at News 365Times Insight Hour
At the helm of this prestigious organization is Dr. Mukesh Kumar, Managing Director of Kendriya Bhandar. Leading the organization through a rapidly evolving and highly competitive business environment, Dr. Kumar has been instrumental in expanding operations, ensuring product quality, and maintaining the trust of millions of Indian consumers.
Dr Kumar shares with News 365Times an insider’s perspective on his journey, his vision for Kendriya Bhandar, and how the organization continues to make essential goods accessible and affordable for every Indian .
Exclusive Interview:
Namaskar Dr. Mukesh Kumar Ji, welcome! Kindly brief us about your journey with Kendriya Bhandar?
Namaskar, thank you! My journey has been truly challenging and inspiring. I studied in a simple government school with limited facilities, but with dedication and hard work, I secured a place in the Indian Air Force. After serving there for 25 years, I decided to join Kendriya Bhandar to contribute further to society.
How is Kendriya Bhandar serving India?
Kendriya Bhandar not only provides groceries and consumer goods but is now also making affordable medicines available. Our goal is to offer high-quality and cost-effective products to the general public.
We understand from our sources that Kendriya Bhandar plans to launch a new range of low-cost medicines. Can you tell us more about this initiative?
Yes, we are soon introducing a wide range of affordable medicines. This initiative will be a major step towards making healthcare services more accessible and economical to masses.
How does Kendriya Bhandar ensure the quality of its products?
We follow a three-level quality check system, where every product undergoes rigorous testing. This ensures that our customers always receive high-quality and reliable products.
You have also praised the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and support of Union Minsiter of Cooperation and Home ,Shri Amit Shah.
Absolutely! Modi Ji’s dynamic leadership is truly inspiring. His visionary approach has taken India to new heights. At the same time, Amit Shah Ji has played a crucial role in strengthening Kendriya Bhandar. His strategies and guidance have been key to our success. Being a Multi state cooperative ,Kendriya Bhandar under the aegis of Minstry of DoPT (Department of Personal & Training ) and regulatory umbrella of Ministry of Cooperation have been able to devise a sustainable ,profitable business model along with being cost effective to masses.
What is the future of Kendriya Bhandar?
We aim to expand our retail and online presence so that more people can easily access our products. Utilizing digital technology, we plan to provide even better services to our customers. As already stated our objective is to serve masses with quality consumer products and hence Kendriya Bhandar under the aegis of Minstry of DoPT (Department of Personal & Training ) and regulatory umbrella of Ministry of Cooperation have been able to devise a sustainable ,profitable business model despite being cost effective.
Your journey has been very inspiring. Best wishes for your future plans!
Thank you to you and yours news channel in taking this initiative to highlight Kendriya Bhandar to media though we don’t advertise too much , As a Govt. servant my constant effort will always be to serve my department , my country and its people and I feel immensely proud in this .
Jai Hind ,Namaskar
Stay tuned for this power-packed discussion—only on News 365Times! 🚀
