Kerala traders back in protest mode

Traders in the state would observe a complete shutdown on July 10 following a protest call given by the Kerala Vyapari Vyavasayi Ekopana Samithi (KVVES).

It has been almost a year since the state food and civil supplies minister C Divakaran had stated that the government would enact a legislation to check the entry of big retail players into Kerala but nothing has materialised yet.

In the meantime, major retail companies such as Reliance Fresh and Pantaloons' Big Bazaar have not only set up outlets but have also started expanding into other major cities and towns during the period.

The entry of monopolies into the retail sector is seen by the trader community as a major threat to their businesses. According to KVVES senior leaders, the traders will also take out a march to the Secretariat on July 10 apart from the shutdown across the state.

Besides seeking speedy enactment of the law, traders under the KVVES banner have urged the government to appoint a committee to study the issue of big retail forays into Kerala before the legislation is given shape.

Till then, they feel that the government should put on hold issuance of licences to more players.