CAIT assures it has not ordered markets to close in measures against coronavirus

By

Isabelle Crossley

Published
Mar 18, 2020

The Confederation of All India Traders has announced that, contrary to some rumours, it has not ordered markets to shutdown due to coronavirus and urged traders to consult with the government before making such decisions.

 
CAIT has not ordered markets to cease operations due to coronavirus concern and highlighted the necessity of markets for enabling citizens to meet their basic needs, it said in a statement, ET Bureau reported. Although a number of states including Haryana have ordered malls to shutdown for the month, no markets have been shut as of Wednesday.
 
“The Government is taking various steps in combating COVID-19 at the front and therefore any decision of such closure can be taken in consultation with government, other agencies and with trade leaders of each state including Delhi,” announced CAIT in a media release.

“However, if Government takes any such decision, the traders will comply with the same.”
 
“There are about seven crore traders in the country providing employment to nearly 45 crore people and as such any decision of closure of shops will be taken after due consideration,” continued CAIT.

“In Delhi, there are about 15 lakh small and big traders who are vetting to the requirements of 1.25 crore people of Delhi.”
 
CAIT may have pledged to keep markets open but it took a strong stance against the consumer transition to e-commerce sales as people seek to socially distance themselves. 
 
“The delivery boys of the e-commerce companies visit several places in the day to deliver the goods mostly to unknown people and no one knows when they get infected by any person suffering with virus,” said CAIT. “Therefore, closure of e-commerce sales is all the more much required.”
 
CAIT as been vocal about its qualms with foreign-owned e-commerce businesses, especially Flipkart and Walmart, and held a number of protests throughout 2019 and into 2020. 
 
CAIT also sought to reassure people that there is currently no supply chain problem or lack of stock despite people buying large quantities of fast moving consumer goods over the weekend.