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Indian Bakers Federation, the pioneer association for the bakery industry in India, this new financial year, is planning to expand their reach in every nook and corner of the country, touch basing the entire bakery fraternity. The association had recently concluded their national meet in Delhi, on the sideliness of the Aahar 2024 expo. The event was attended by association leaders across India.

The event kick-started with welcome note and lighting lamp ceremony by P M Sankaran, National President, Gaurav Dhingra National Vice President, did the introduction and overview. Balraj K R, National Convenor, spoke on how to attain better FSSAI meetings, Porkai Pandian, National General Secretary, Jointly with Mr. Anburaj, National Convener spoke on the bylawas of the forum. Vikram Diwadkar, National Treasurer welcomed the new members while Manivanan, President – TNBF and BIJU PREM SHANKAR, General Secretary – BAKE, Kerala, spoke on how bakers can identify themselves as MSME and get the benefits.

“The event went as per our agenda reminding everybody about the reason our IBF was started and what we all need to do together . We once again stressed the importance of how IBF positively supports a life of any baker regarless of their socio and economic background. IBF worked quietly from 2023 march to 2024 march well in many aspects including negotiating with the Government agencies.”, Gaurav Dhingra said further adding that IBF got recognition from the Food Safety Standard Assocaition of India (FSSAI)  as the apex body of the Government on food safety in relevance tot he testing of the bakery products every 6 months. It has to be noted that IBF proposed an idea to FSSAI to test only the flour used rather than the entire finished product. “In most of the baked products, 90% of the ingredient is flour. Most of our bakers make on an average of 350 items. Testing every item every 6 months is practically not feasible. However, it is better to look only at the flour which will be a win-win situtation for both bakers and FSSAI“, Mr Dhingra added.

The association also discussed about how various units of the bakery association can represent their elected representataives, GST department for their common issues. The event also had dialogues around how the Kerala state bakery associations worked closely with their elected represtatives and how the concerns of the bakers got attention in the state assembly.

Plans ahead:

Speaking on the expansion plans Mr Dhingra added that the coming financial year would be an year dedicated for increasing the reach and membership for the association. ” IBF core members plan to form a core community calendar to address to the concerns of bakers in each and every state. We will start with the Northern region with Delhi as the maiden event and will go to other regions like Vidharbha (in Maharashtra), Bengaluru and other parts which will happen throughout India. It is the vision of the national president to reach the smallest level of bakers and make them feel part of IBF.”, he noted. “We do not want to distinguish anyone based on the size of the business. The moment we distinct between us, we lack unity and our dreams would never work. Every baker in India has a challenge and all their voices should be heard. They should come under one single umbrella to make the Government bodies understand the challenges and issues involved.”

Expectations from the Government:  

Speaking on the expectations from any Government that is assuming power in June, he said the bakers need to be treated with respect and dignity. “We [bakers] aim to be a law-abiding citizens of India and want to raise the Indian flag on the global arena as far our profession is concerned. Whoever going to rule us, we would like to request less of Government interference in our day today life.”, he said. “We pay tax and we are also part of the national building. As a baker, our expectation from the Government would be to enable us work independently without too much interference that would make us to serve the citizens of the people again. I would like to also add about bakers encouraging their next generation to join and see more of Women in leadership roles. “, Mr Dhingra concluded.

The event also wtinessed inclusions of Gujarat bakery owners joining the forum. Suhas Upadhyay K.S., president of the IBF Bengaluru, did the vote of thanks.

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