New Delhi, January 06 (HS): Confederation of All India Traders (CAT) advisor and former Union Minister Smriti Irani on Monday called upon the business community to prioritize productivity and regulatory compliance and appreciated their significant contribution to the Indian economy. More than 150 prominent business leaders from various states across the country participated in this meeting.

Smriti Irani said this in her address at the inauguration of the two-day National Governing Council meeting of CAT in the capital New Delhi. Addressing the traders, Irani said that the government will not tolerate any attempt to disrupt the supply chain of the country. Be it e-commerce, quick commerce or any other medium. If they violate the established rules, or exploit small traders, strict action will be taken against them.

On this occasion, CAT National General Secretary and MP Praveen Khandelwal in his address strongly criticized the aggressive and monopolistic distribution policies of Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL). He said that the company is trying to connect directly with retailers by removing its old distributors. He called it an attack on India's traditional distribution system and a direct threat to the livelihood of lakhs of traders. MP Khandelwal said that CAT has issued a strict warning to Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) in the meeting to stop disrupting the country's supply chain. Earlier, the two-day National Governing Council meeting of the Confederation of All India Traders started. In this meeting, business leaders from across the country expressed serious concern over the policies of HUL, which are trying to bypass the traditional distribution system. Business leaders said that this has put the livelihood of 4.5 lakh distributors and about 80 lakh people working in this sector in danger. The Governing Council of CAT reiterated its commitment to protect the livelihood and dignity of the traders and distributors of the country. The Council also resolved to ensure that corporate interests do not threaten the backbone of the country's trade system and the economic stability of the country's retail sector is maintained. The business leaders strongly criticized HUL and said that not only the distributor community, but the entire business class of the country will oppose HUL. CAT, along with the All India Consumer Products Distributors Federation (AICPDF), has given an ultimatum to HUL to withdraw its unfair policies within 72 hours. The business organization also warned of launching a nationwide protest against the company if it does not do so. The businessmen said that this is a joint effort of CAT, which includes lakhs of distributors and retailers, committed to protect India's traditional trade system from corporate exploitation.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar