The dawn of Amrit Kaal marks an era of rapid technological advancements and global economic shifts. This series by The Indian Express aptly captures the spirit of this transformative period. As the chairperson of the Competition Commission of India (CCI), I want to take this opportunity to share insights into the role our institution will play in navigating these complex changes.

India’s journey since Independence has been a remarkable story, transitioning from a closed economy to one that is integral to the global market. Today, we are at a pivotal juncture, facing both unprecedented challenges and opportunities. The digital revolution, the rise of new business models, and the increasing interconnectedness of global markets define our current economic landscape. These changes, while promising, also bring forth new complexities that require oversight to ensure fair competition.

CCI has been at the forefront of promoting fair competition and curbing anti-competitive practices. We aim to foster an ecosystem where innovation thrives and consumer interests are protected. CCI’s approach is twofold — enforcement actions and advocacy measures. Enforcement actions are taken to address potential anti-competitive practices by issuing suitable punitive and remedial solutions, whereas advocacy measures are undertaken with the stakeholders to foster a culture of competition in the markets and to nudge market participants towards competition compliance.

CCI’s mandate is broad, and encompasses the elimination of practices having adverse effects on competition, promotion and sustenance of competition, protection of consumer interests, and ensuring freedom of trade. It inquires into and takes action against any form of anti-competitive agreements between enterprises. These include collusive practices (such as cartelisation, price-fixing, bid-rigging etc.) and vertical restraints that harm the competitive landscape. CCI also examines the conduct of dominant companies to ensure they do not abuse their position. Practices like predatory pricing, denial of market access, and exclusive agreements are scrutinised to maintain healthy competition.

When companies merge or one company acquires another, there is a potential for the creation of larger, more powerful entities. While this can sometimes lead to efficiencies and benefits for consumers, there is also a risk that these larger entities might abuse their market power. They could potentially engage in practices that are harmful to the competitive environment, such as setting prices unfairly, limiting choices for consumers, or stifling innovation by making it harder for smaller competitors to survive.

CCI’s review process, therefore, involves a careful examination of these corporate actions to ensure they don’t lead to a situation where the market is dominated by a few players to the detriment of overall economic health and consumer welfare. This oversight is vital in maintaining a fair and competitive market, which is essential for the long-term health of the economy and the protection of consumer interests. CCI’s role is to strike a balance, allowing businesses to grow and consolidate, but stepping in to prevent any actions that could lead to unfair market dominance.

It engages in educating stakeholders about the benefits of a competitive environment. It also provides opinions and recommendations on policy matters affecting competition, as and when sought. A significant aspect of CCI’s role is to safeguard consumer interests. This involves ensuring that consumers benefit from fair prices, quality products, and a variety of choices in the market. As market dynamics evolve, especially with technological advancements and globalisation, CCI’s role becomes increasingly significant in steering the Indian market towards sustainable and inclusive growth.

CCI’s initiatives in streamlining its processes for quicker resolution of cases have reduced the time taken for investigation and decision-making. These strides have not only enhanced market efficiency but have also contributed to fostering an environment conducive to innovation and growth, benefiting the economy at large.

The digital economy, characterised by the dominance of a few tech giants, presents unique challenges. These entities, with their vast resources and data control, can potentially stifle competition and innovation. CCI’s focus is on ensuring that such dominance does not lead to the stifling of innovation and thereby harm consumer interests. We are committed to scrutinising practices like predatory pricing, exclusive agreements, and data monopolisation to maintain a level playing field.

CCI’s approach to addressing new-age challenges is multifaceted, involving regulation, advocacy, and international cooperation. By keeping pace with the rapid changes in technology and market structures, it ensures that its regulatory framework remains robust and effective in promoting fair competition and protecting consumer interests in the digital age. This dynamic approach is crucial for fostering an environment that encourages innovation while ensuring that the market remains competitive and fair for all participants.

Our regulatory frameworks need to evolve in tandem with market dynamics. We are engaged in continuous dialogue with stakeholders to understand emerging trends and their implications for competition. We are also learning from the global best practices to update our regulations and ensure they are robust yet flexible enough to deal with future challenges.

India’s economic growth narrative must be inclusive. CCI endeavours to balance the scales between fostering an environment conducive to growth and ensuring fair competition. We recognise that over-regulation can stifle innovation, just as lax regulation can lead to market distortions. Our regulatory interventions are, therefore, nuanced and guided by the principles of fairness and market freedom.

At the heart of our efforts is the consumer. Ensuring that consumers have access to a variety of choices at competitive prices is paramount. CCI’s vigilant monitoring of market practices ensures that consumer interests are not compromised by anti-competitive behaviour.

Addressing the challenges of a dynamic economy requires a concerted effort. CCI collaborates with other regulatory bodies, government agencies, and international organisations to create a holistic regulatory environment. This collaborative approach helps in sharing knowledge, harmonising regulations, and ensuring effective enforcement.

As we look to the future, CCI’s focus will be on building resilience and agility in our regulatory practices. We aim to be proactive in identifying potential market disruptions and swift in our response to ensure that competition remains vibrant and fair. Investing in research, building expertise in new-age markets, and leveraging technology for efficient enforcement will be key to our strategy.

The journey ahead for India’s economy is filled with immense possibilities. CCI is committed to playing a pivotal role in shaping a market environment where competition thrives, innovation is encouraged, and consumer welfare is safeguarded. As we mark 75 years of independence, CCI reaffirms its commitment to steering India’s economic journey towards a future that is competitive, inclusive, and resilient.

The writer is chairperson, Competition Commission of India