CONFEDERATION of All India Traders (CAIT) Chhattisgarh extended moral support to the proposed medical trade bandh on May 20. A meeting of CAIT Chhattisgarh and its affiliated trader associations was convened at its Pandri-based office in Raipur. Participants raised the issue of growing impact of online trade, heavy discount culture promoted by e-commerce companies and the adverse effects these practices are having on traditional businesses. All organisations present at the meeting resolved to support the proposed medical trade bandh on May 20 and pledged to reinforce trader’s unity. Representatives and officebearers of various trader organisations from across State attended the meeting. Addressing the gathering, National Vice Chairman of CAIT Amar Parwani said all participants unanimously extended moral support to the medicine traders’ associations.

 

He emphasised that the issue is not limited to the pharmaceutical sector alone but concerns the protection of the entire traditional business ecosystem including small traders and local markets. President of District Chemist and Druggist Association Vinay Kriplani said that representatives present at the meeting expressed serious concern over the continuous heavy discounts being offered by online companies, the unchecked discount culture and unequal competition being created in the market. He said that these practices are pushing traditional businesses into a severe crisis, adversely affecting small traders, local marketplaces and employment opportunities. Trader’s association representatives warned that if a level playing field and transparent trade policies are not implemented on time, the country’s traditional trade sector would face serious challenges in the coming years. They stressed that at such a crucial time, the unity of the trading community is their greatest strength. Detailed discussions were also held on safeguarding traders’ interests, strengthening local businesses, promoting Vocal for Local, Sashakt Swadeshi initiatives and ensuring the protection of traditional commerce.