In light of the recently released report by the Competition Commission of India (CCI), which highlights serious anti-competitive practices by e-commerce giants Amazon and Flipkart, the traders across the country, under the leadership of Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) , are set to launch a massive nationwide campaign demanding prosecution of these companies. This decision was taken today at New Delhi at the closure of two days National Trade Summit held by CAIT.
More than 350 trade leaders from all over the Country in a unanimous resolution said that “ The CCI report has brought to light various unethical practices that have severely impacted small and medium traders. These practices include deep discounting, preferential treatment to select sellers, and the violation of competition norms. The findings further affirm that these e-commerce platforms have been operating in ways that distort the level playing field, causing irreparable damage to lakhs of traders and retailers. Therefore, we urge upon the CCI to take necessary action and prosecute both Amazon & Flipkart without any further delay, to meet the end of justice and ensure fair competition.
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Sat 21 Dec. 2024
This nationwide campaign will aim to pressurize the CCI to initiate strict legal proceedings against Amazon and Flipkart for violating Indian laws and damaging the interests of small businesses. The traders will collectively demand immediate and firm action, including prosecution under the relevant sections of the law.
Addressing the Summit, former Union Minister & CAIT Advisor Smt. Smriti Irani emphasized the significant role of small traders in the Indian economy.She said “Small traders currently make up 90% of the Indian retail market and contribute 45% to the country’s exports and in 2023, their business turnover was valued at $480 billion, and this figure is projected to grow to $1.3 trillion by 2025. Hence we need to focus on expanding exports and improving the ease of doing business for traders.”
Furthermore, she highlighted that “71% of online orders are fulfilled by small traders, particularly from rural areas we have to make efforts to assess whether these traders are benefiting from the shift to e-commerce and have to understand the importance of recognizing their potential and providing them the necessary support.
*Massive Campaign for Upgradation of Traders Across the Country*
In parallel, the CAIT has also decided to launch a transformative initiative aimed at the upgradation of traders and small business owners across India. This campaign will focus on empowering traders with digital skills, access to modern tools, and resources necessary to compete in the changing business landscape.
The initiative will be designed to uplift small traders and retailers by providing training on e-commerce, digital marketing, and financial literacy, usage of social media to widen business It will ensure that Indian traders can leverage technology and new-age platforms, ensuring their businesses remain competitive and future-ready.
As the backbone of India’s economy, traders need to be at the forefront of the digital revolution. The CAIT will seek support of the government to actively support this campaign to ensure the holistic development of traders in the country.
This dual campaign for both prosecution and empowerment represents a crucial turning point for India’s trade sector. “ We call upon the government, enforcement agencies, and the broader business community to join hands in this fight for justice and progress”- said the trade leaders.
