CAIT slams Niti Aayog for interfering in draft e-commerce rules

New Delhi: The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) on Saturday slammed the Niti Aayog for interfering in the e-commerce Rules proposed by the Consumer Affairs Ministry and said that such a line was taken by Niti Aayog clearly seems to be under the pressure and influence of the foreign e-commerce giants.

CAIT Secretary General Praveen Khandelwal and CAIT President B.C. Bhartia came down vehemently on Niti Aayog for interfering in the process.

"It is highly unfortunate that Niti Aayog in the last seven years since its inception had done absolutely nothing to support the 8 crore traders of India and now when the government is trying to create a level playing field in the retail sector, Niti Aayog is interfering in between and trying to derail the process", said CAIT Secretary General Praveen Khandelwa.

CAIT President B.C. Bhartia also said, "It is deeply shocking to see such a callous and indifferent attitude of the Niti Aayog who has remained a silent spectator for the last so many years when the foreign e-commerce giants have circumvented every rule of the FDI policy and blatantly violated and destroyed the retail & e-commerce landscape of the country but have suddenly decided to open their mouth at a time when the proposed e-commerce rules will potentially end the malpractices of the e-commerce companies."

Both leaders reiterated that the Consumer Affairs Ministry should implement the draft consumer protection e-commerce rules at the earliest as they are in the best interest of the consumers as well as the traders of the country as it will not only ensure the best quality and price for the consumers but also create a robust ecosystem of sustainable growth for 8 crore Indian traders who are the backbone of the economy and an integral part of Prime Minister Modi's vision of 5 Trillion economy target.

E-commerce rules to protect consumer rights came into effect in June 2020, but last month the ministry decided to make changes claiming they need to be decided in consultation with multiple stakeholders. However, highlighting that some provisions are inconsistent with current FDI policy, the Niti Aagog flagged that some provisions might protect consumer interest while several of them adversely affect Ease of Doing Business in the 'sunrise' sector.