Haryana CM Dismisses Opposition Claims on Online Shopping Impact
In a strong rebuttal to opposition assertions, Haryana Chief Minister Nayan Singh Saini has firmly rejected claims that the rise of online shopping is negatively affecting small traders. Speaking during a legislative session, Saini stated there is no concrete evidence of distress among local shopkeepers and vendors due to the growth of e-commerce.
Digital Payments Strengthen Small Businesses, Says CM
Responding to a question raised by Congress MLA Balwan Singh Daulatpuria during question hour, CM Saini emphasized that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, India has emerged as a global leader in digital transactions. He highlighted that even street vendors and hawkers are now actively using UPI-based payment systems, which has widened access to formal financial channels at the grassroots level.
"The expansion of digital payments has actually strengthened small businesses and facilitated more transparent transactions," Saini asserted. "There is no difficulty being faced by any trader or shopkeeper. If there is a problem, it is only for the Congress," he added, taking a political jab at the opposition party.
CM Criticizes Proposal for Heavy Taxes on Online Shopping
Addressing a proposal to impose heavy taxes on online shopping to support small retailers, Saini dismissed the idea as reflecting a lack of understanding. "Such statements are made in the absence of proper information," he remarked, suggesting that the opposition's argument is not grounded in factual data or current economic realities.
The Chief Minister also referenced the Covid-19 pandemic period, noting that the central government provided interest-free loans of up to Rs 10,000 to street vendors to ensure they did not face undue hardship. He reiterated that traders are not experiencing significant difficulties, attributing any concerns largely to political motivations rather than economic factors.
Growing Shift Towards Digital Transactions
Saini pointed out that transactions are increasingly occurring through digital channels, which he views as a positive development for the economy. This shift, he argued, enhances efficiency, reduces cash dependency, and integrates more small businesses into the formal financial system.
By challenging the opposition's narrative, the Haryana CM has sparked a broader debate on the impact of digitalization on traditional retail sectors, emphasizing the benefits of technological adoption while downplaying alleged negative effects on small-scale commerce.
