BHUBANESWAR: Despite several campaigns launched in social media against the use of Chinese products, markets in the city are flooded with Chinese LED lights ahead of Diwali festival. Traders said, they are selling Chinese products because they are cheaper and available in huge variety compared to Indian products."Chinese LED lights are available in several varieties and are much less in price compared to lights produced by Indian companies. This year there is some awareness among consumers about Chinese and Indian products, but many customers are buying Chinese ones due to their low price," said Kartika Swain, a trader in Unit-I market.Describing the price different, a shopkeeper said, when a 10 metre long fancy Chinese light costs Rs 50 the India-made light will cost Rs 150 to Rs 180. The variety of lights include fancy lights, rice lights, lights in the shape of diyas, candles, flowers, stars, fruits and in different shapes, sizes and colours. Besides there are a huge variety of chandeliers, hanging lights, table tops, sky lamps and sky lanterns, made in China have also flooded the markets. The prices of these lights range between Rs 30 to Rs 500."I got several messages on WhatsApp, Facebook and Twitter about banning Chinese products so decided not to use them. But I got surprised when I saw so many Chinese varieties in the market. The traders should unanimously take the decision to ban sale of these products in the market or the government must impose a blanket ban on these products prohibiting its sale in the market," said Rajesh Mohanty, a student.Odisha Shilpa Sangha, a body of local industries, urged the traders not to use Chinese products but said they cannot impose a ban. "We can request the traders not to sale Chinese products but cannot enforce a ban or restriction on them. But it could have given a boost to 'Make in India' initiative of the government," said a member of the Sangha.

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