New Delhi, Oct 10 (KNN) Taking note of complains made by domestic traders alleging predatory pricing By e-commerce giants like Amazon and Flipkart, Commerce & Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has called them for a meeting with DPIIT.

A delegation of traders from Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) met Piyush Goyal over what they call "unethical business model of e-commerce companies conducting their business model in much contrary to FDI Policy of the Government".

The delegation alleged that these online companies are involved in predatory pricing, deep discounting, loss funding and exclusivity of various products which is not allowed under FDI Policy.

Dr. Guruprasad Mohapatra, Secretary, DPIIT and Shailendra Singh, Additional Secretary, DPIIT and other officers were present in meeting. 

Goyal while giving a patient hearing to the delegation firmly said that Government is committed to implement FDI policy in its letter & spirit. 

"No predatory pricing or deep discounting will be allowed under any circumstances. There has to be an even level playing field . Any re-routing of business in e-commerce will not be allowed. E-commerce companies will have to work only as marketplace as spelled out in FDI policy," CAIT release quoted Goyal as saying.

The CAIT delegation was led by its Secretary General Praveen Khandelwal and comprised of Arvinder Khurana, President, All India Mobile Retailers Association, Dhairysheel Patil, President, All India Consumer Products Distributirs Federation and Sumit Agrawal, National Head, Social Media of CAIT and others.

CAIT sais that after their meeting, Goyal directed Guru Mohpatra, Secretary, DPIIT to call both Amazon and Flipkart to clarify the points raised by CAIT and if need be both Amazon & Flipkart should have meeting with CAIT to sort out the matter in presence of Ministry Officials."

CAIT, the apex body of traders said, "This issue which is hanging fire since long should be settled once for all and e-commerce companies will have to follow FDI policy not only in law but in spirit as well."

It said that Goyal has assured the delegation that if need arises and unethical business practices are proven, the Government may order an investigation.

The delegation also urged Goyal to include some mandatory provision in e-commerce policy including mandatory registration of e commerce companies whether big or small with DPIIT. 

Strict action should be proposed against violations of Rules & Regulations, it further suggested. (KNN Bureau)

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