Need for balanced approach to growth of e-commerce in India: Piyush Goyal

Shri Goyal expressed concern over the growing influence of e-commerce on India's traditional retail sector and its potential impact on employment.

Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal, emphasized the need for citizen-centric growth in e-commerce during the launch of a report by Pahle India Foundation on 'Net Impact of E-Commerce on Employment and Consumer Welfare in India' in New Delhi. Speaking as the Chief Guest, Shri Goyal highlighted the importance of ensuring that the benefits of e-commerce are distributed widely across society, advocating for a democratized approach to growth.

Shri Goyal underscored the role of technology in empowering and innovating to meet consumer needs more efficiently. However, he stressed that this growth must be orderly and should not disrupt the livelihoods of the 100 million small retailers across India. "In the race for market share, we must not cause disruption," he cautioned.

The Minister emphasized the need to protect India's developing economy, particularly those who still require affirmative action. "There’s a large section out there who still deserves our help. When it comes to jobs and opportunities for the future of India, I think all of us will have to play our part," he said.

Shri Goyal expressed concern over the growing influence of e-commerce on India's traditional retail sector and its potential impact on employment. He noted that half of India's market could integrate into the e-commerce network in the next decade, describing this possibility as "a matter of concern."

Reflecting on the global context, Shri Goyal urged for a data-driven analysis of e-commerce's impact, drawing attention to the decline of traditional "mom and pop" stores in countries like the United States and Europe due to the rise of e-commerce. He pointed out that countries like Switzerland have adopted a cautious approach to e-commerce, implying that India might also benefit from such caution.

"I’m not wishing away e-commerce. It's here to stay," Shri Goyal emphasized, "but we have to think very carefully and cautiously about its role. Is predatory pricing good for the country?”

The Minister concluded by urging the business community and experts to carefully study and evaluate the impact of e-commerce in the context of India's specific needs, calling for a detailed and scientific assessment to ensure balanced growth that supports both innovation and traditional retail sectors.