Foreign e-commerce firms destroying business of Indian retailers, small traders: RSS affiliate

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS)-affiliated Swadeshi Jagaran Manch’s (SJM) co-convener Ashwani Mahajan on Monday accused foreign e-commerce companies of “destroying” businesses of offline retailers and small traders in the country by using illegal business practices.

He also demanded amendments to the existing laws to ensure protection to retailers and small traders.

Addressing a webinar, Mahajan alleged that foreign e-companies are “blatantly” flouting rules through their front companies and also manipulating online algorithms to promote their private labels and brands at the cost of Indian sellers.

The Centre must bring an “all-encompassing” policy to protect the interests of the consumers as well as offline traders and small traders, he said, underlining that the proposed consumer protection e-commerce rules are “inadequate” to address the issue.