Delhi's sealing affects business in Ludhiana

Ludhiana's trade and industry have been suffering huge losses due to the ongoing sealing drive in Delhi.

Though figures of losses are yet to be ascertained, the local business community put them in crores. Almost every sector, including transport, auto parts, garments, hosiery and electronics, is suffering, but the garment and hosiery industry is the top loser.

A large number of Delhi-based wholesale and retail dealers of the garment and hosiery industry are hesitating to buy fresh stocks from the local market, because they are yet to clear the stocks already with them.

Speaking to Business Standard, Jagdish Bajaj, president, Supreme Shawl Association, said the sealing process in Delhi had affected the business up to at least 20 per cent. "Day before yesterday, I went to Delhi, where I was told by the wholesale and retail dealers that they are not in a position to order fresh stocks because of the sealing, which has left a question mark on their business," he said.

"Even Delhi-based wholesalers and retailers told me that there were ample chances of returning the stocks lying with them," Bajaj said. Joginder Kumar, president, Federation of Tiny and Small Industries of India, said it was difficult to estimate accurately the losses to small-scale industry in the city. "However, it is a hard fact that small-scale industry has been affected,'' he said.

Mohinder Aggarwal, general secretary, Punjab Pradesh Beopar Mandal, Ludhiana unit, said besides other sectors, the electronics business had also been hit.

"The supplies of electronics items has come down due to the sealing, because there are a number of electronics goods that are being ordered from Delhi only, due to its proximity and cheapness, unlike Mumbai and Bangalore," he said.

"The local hosiery business is affected up to 25 per cent due to the ongoing sealing process in Delhi. As a result, the production of hosiery goods has come down," he added.