Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal on Wednesday expressed concern over the rapid growth of e-commerce companies in India and called it a cause of concern and not an achievement. Along with this, he also expressed concern over the functioning of the e-commerce sector.
The Commerce Minister said that e-commerce companies are harming retailers by giving huge discounts on products. Goyal also accused e-commerce companies of aggressive pricing and not giving a level playing field to small retailers. The report on the net impact of e-commerce on employment and consumer welfare in India was launched on Wednesday. Piyush Goyal was also present at the event. On the importance of technology and its role in consumer services, Goyal emphasized the need for a better approach to it. Especially when online shopping is having a huge impact on the traditional retail sector.
If this continues, people will become lazy.
Goyal expressed concern over the growing trend of online shopping in the country and also warned people. He said that if this continues, people of the country will become lazy and e-commerce facilities can lead to more sedentary lifestyle of people. Because people will prefer to stay at home, watch OTT content and order food online instead of engaging in social activities.
I don't want to end e-commerce
The commerce minister said, “I don't want to end e-commerce, it is here forever.” But its growth should be assessed in the proper perspective.
Questions have also been raised on Amazon's Rs 6,000 crore loss
Goyal says Amazon's Rs 6,000 crore loss in India was also questioned. He indicated that e-commerce platforms adopt market-distorting pricing policies that adversely affect small retailers. If you have a loss of Rs 6,000 crore in a year, don't you smell price manipulation?