CAIT Calls for Urgent Government Action Against E-commerce Malpractices and Retail Reforms
Synopsis
CAIT Secretary General Praveen Khandelwal urges the government to take swift action against unfair practices in e-commerce. This call aims to protect India's retail trade ecosystem and ensure fair competition for over 90 million traders, emphasizing the need for comprehensive reforms and a National E-commerce Policy.
Key Takeaways
Urgent action is needed to address e-commerce malpractices.
CAIT highlights threats to India's trading community.
Call for a comprehensive National E-commerce Policy .
Emphasis on fair competition between online and offline businesses.
Proposal for a National Retail Development Council to represent traders.
New Delhi, April 5 (NationPress) The government must act swiftly and decisively to address the escalating malpractices of specific e-commerce and quick commerce firms, which are significantly disrupting the retail trade landscape in India, stated CAIT Secretary General Praveen Khandelwal on Sunday.
The BJP MP voiced grave concerns regarding the unchecked and inequitable tactics employed by certain foreign-funded e-commerce companies, which are creating an uneven competitive environment for India’s over 90 million traders, who are essential to the nation's supply chain and employment structure.
Khandelwal pointed out that tactics like predatory pricing, excessive discounting, deceptive practices, inventory-led models masquerading as marketplaces, preferential treatment for select sellers, and the rapid proliferation of dark stores are not only anti-competitive but also jeopardizing the existence of small and medium-sized traders.
“These companies must not be permitted to function in ways that compromise India’s economic sovereignty and disrupt equitable competition. A fair competitive landscape between offline and online trade is crucial for the balanced and sustainable growth of the economy,” noted Khandelwal.
He called for the immediate finalization and execution of a comprehensive National E-commerce Policy, alongside stringent regulatory frameworks and solid enforcement mechanisms aimed at curtailing such malpractices and safeguarding the interests of domestic trade.
Welcoming the enactment of the Jan Vishwas Bill 2.0, Khandelwal acknowledged that under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the government has reaffirmed its commitment to trust-based governance and enhancing the ease of doing business.
He remarked that this forward-thinking reform will significantly bolster confidence among traders and entrepreneurs nationwide.
Stressing the importance of institutional reforms, Khandelwal also called for the creation of a National Retail Development Council, which would provide structured representation to the trading community in policymaking.
Policies affecting trade should be developed with the active engagement of stakeholders.
“A National Retail Development Council will ensure that traders' voices are heard and incorporated into the policy framework, leading to more practical and effective governance,” he added.
Point of View
And the call for reforms indicates a need for a more equitable marketplace.
NationPress
5 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main concerns raised by CAIT?
CAIT has expressed concerns over unfair practices by e-commerce platforms, including predatory pricing and preferential treatment for select sellers, which disrupt the retail ecosystem.
What reforms does CAIT propose?
CAIT is advocating for a comprehensive National E-commerce Policy and the establishment of a National Retail Development Council to ensure traders' voices are considered in policymaking.
