On May 20, 2025, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) celebrated its 16th Annual Day in New Delhi, with Union Minister of Finance & Corporate Affairs, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, presiding over the event. The commemoration highlighted the CCI’s pivotal role in promoting fair competition, fostering innovation, and supporting India’s vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047. This article delves into the key takeaways from the event, emphasizing the CCI’s contributions to India’s economic framework and its evolving regulatory approach.
CCI’s Role in India’s Economic Growth
Strengthening Liberalisation and Market Equity
Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman emphasized that the CCI has become a cornerstone in safeguarding the spirit of liberalisation. She stated, “Markets must work for the many, not the few.” The CCI’s interventions through enforcement, advocacy, and market studies have created an environment where enterprises, regardless of size, can compete on merit. This fosters consumer empowerment through greater choices and rewards innovation and efficiency, contributing to inclusive market development.
Balancing Regulation and Growth
Adopting a ‘Minimum Necessary, Maximum Feasible’ Approach
The Finance Minister highlighted the importance of a light-touch regulatory framework, as outlined in the Union Budget 2025-26. She urged regulators to follow the principle of “minimum necessary, maximum feasible” to balance regulatory vigilance with a pro-growth mindset. This approach ensures that regulations are effective without stifling innovation, supporting India’s ambition to become a resilient and equitable economic powerhouse by 2047.
CCI’s Response to Emerging Challenges
Adapting to Digital and Global Markets
As India integrates with global value chains and digital ecosystems, maintaining open and contestable markets is vital for competitiveness. Smt. Sitharaman lauded the CCI’s initiatives, such as the establishment of the Digital Markets Division and the ongoing Market Study on Artificial Intelligence and Competition. These efforts position the CCI as a forward-thinking regulator capable of addressing the complexities of technology-driven markets.
The Finance Minister also stressed the importance of global cooperation and agile regulation to tackle emerging challenges. The CCI’s focus on building internal expertise in data science and techno-economic assessment further strengthens its ability to regulate dynamic markets effectively.
Key Initiatives Launched
Enhancing Public Procurement and Merger Control
During the event, Smt. Sitharaman released two significant resources:
- Diagnostic Toolkit Towards Competitive Tenders for Public Procurement: Updated to reflect recent amendments, this toolkit helps procurement officials detect and prevent bid rigging, ensuring transparency in public tenders.
- FAQs on Combinations: This document provides practical guidance on the Competition (Amendment) Act, 2023, and the Combination Regulations, 2024, clarifying aspects like Deal Value Threshold and Substantial Business Operations in India.
CCI’s Journey and Vision
Building a Robust Regulatory Framework
In her welcome address, Smt. Ravneet Kaur, Chairperson of CCI, reflected on the commission’s 16-year journey. She noted that the CCI has evolved into a robust, responsive, and future-ready regulator. The CCI’s mandate to prevent anti-competitive practices has remained constant, but its strategies have adapted to India’s changing economic and technological landscape. The commission’s jurisprudence on cartels, abuse of dominance, and merger control has fostered compliance and stakeholder confidence.
Smt. Kaur highlighted the CCI’s efforts to operationalize the Competition (Amendment) Act, 2023, through a comprehensive review of its regulatory framework. The introduction of 10 new and revised regulations over the past 18 months marks a transformative shift in India’s competition law regime.
Aligning with Viksit Bharat 2047
Promoting Inclusivity and Fairness
The CCI’s mandate aligns with the government’s vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. By facilitating market access for MSMEs, preventing monopolistic practices, and promoting digital inclusion, the CCI contributes to a fair and inclusive economic ecosystem. Smt. Kaur emphasized that fair competition is not just a legal obligation but a strategic imperative for growth and innovation.
Key Highlights
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | 16th Annual Day of CCI, held on May 20, 2025, in New Delhi |
| Key Speaker | Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, Union Minister of Finance & Corporate Affairs |
| Regulatory Principle | ‘Minimum necessary, maximum feasible’ for balanced regulation |
| New Initiatives | Diagnostic Toolkit for Public Procurement, FAQs on Combinations |
| Focus Areas | Digital Markets Division, Market Study on AI and Competition |
| Vision | Aligning with Viksit Bharat 2047 through fair competition and inclusivity |