In response to a recent report by the Competition Commission of India (CCI) that exposes anti-competitive practices by e-commerce giants Amazon and Flipkart, traders across India, led by the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), are gearing up for a nationwide campaign. This decision was made during the National Trade Summit held in New Delhi, where over 350 trade leaders unanimously called for the prosecution of these companies for unethical practices.
The CCI report highlighted issues like deep discounting, preferential treatment to select sellers, and violations of competition norms, which have significantly impacted small and medium traders across India. The trade leaders urged the CCI to take immediate legal action to ensure a fair marketplace.
Demand for Action
The campaign aims to put pressure on the CCI to prosecute Amazon and Flipkart under relevant laws for practices that allegedly damage the interests of small businesses. Traders across the country will collectively demand strong and immediate measures to restore fair competition in the market.
Focus on Small Traders’ Role in the Economy
Former Union Minister and CAIT Advisor Smriti Irani addressed the summit, emphasizing the vital role small traders play in the Indian economy. She pointed out that they make up 90% of the retail market and contribute 45% to the country’s exports, with a turnover of $480 billion in 2023 expected to grow to $1.3 trillion by 2025. She called for the expansion of exports and better ease of doing business for traders.
Irani also highlighted that 71% of online orders are fulfilled by small traders, especially from rural areas. She stressed the need to assess whether these traders are truly benefiting from the rise of e-commerce and advocated for recognizing their potential and providing necessary support.
Empowering Traders Through Digital Skills
In parallel, CAIT plans to launch a transformative campaign to empower small traders across India. This initiative will focus on enhancing digital skills, providing access to modern tools, and offering resources to help traders adapt to the evolving business landscape. Training on e-commerce, digital marketing, financial literacy, and social media usage will be provided to ensure that Indian traders can leverage technology to stay competitive.
CAIT seeks government support for this initiative, emphasizing that empowering traders is crucial as they are the backbone of India’s economy.
This dual campaign for both prosecution of unfair practices and the empowerment of small traders marks a critical moment for India’s trade sector. Trade leaders are calling on the government, enforcement agencies, and the business community to join this movement for justice and progress.
