Dharwad: Provision shop owners under the aegis of Chamber of Commerce & Industries Dharwad, Dharwad Consumer Products Distributors’ Association and Kirani Varthakara Sangha staged a protest in front of the deputy commissioner’s office here on Saturday to protest the entry of foreign firms in retail trade in India.In a memorandum addressed to the prime minister and handed over to the DC, the members stated that due to the change in government’s policy in the recent past, big companies, both Indian and foreign, have entered the retail sector and are coaxing consumers by offering discounts, sometimes even at a loss to drive away their competitors.“As a result, the business of lakhs of small to medium retail shops has been hit. All these years, provision shops were serving people efficiently and cost effectively. Despite such sincere efforts, the business seems to be affected for reasons beyond our control. Hence, the Centre and state government should look into the problems faced by businessmen and ensure owners and workers of retail traders are not put into hardship,” the memorandum said.“The presence of big retailers like Reliance, Metro and others has already affected the business as manufacturers of many products are providing them great discounts. Distributors and retail businessmen are facing a decrease in quantum of business. The entry of Walmart through Flipkart is going to worsen the situation,” they said.The Chamber cautioned that American companies are coming to India in a large way and they take away profits from here, devaluing the Indian Rupee further. Ravindra Akalwadi, Ashok Doddamani and others were present.

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