logo
Guwahati traders feel the heat as e-commerce platforms take precedence

Guwahati traders feel the heat as e-commerce platforms take precedence

Time of India25-05-2025

1
2
Guwahati: For the past two months, traders and shopkeepers in Guwahati's bustling commercial hubs, including Fancy Bazar and Paltan Bazar, have been increasingly vocal about boycotting major e-commerce platforms.
They contend that the surge in online shopping has led to a noticeable decline in foot traffic and a subsequent drop in their revenue.
"
The online giants, who source products directly from factories, are employing aggressive pricing strategies to attract customers. We simply cannot compete with these discounts and still remain viable," said Nekib Saikia, the secretary of the Lakhtokia Merchants' association.
He said store owners in Fancy Bazar, a vital commercial centre, have experienced business losses ranging from 20% to 30%. This decline has ben largely attributed to the growing preference of customers for online shopping platforms and the convenience of quick-commerce services.
"E-commerce platforms have become incredibly diverse, selling everything from electronics and clothing to groceries and meat. It's pervasive.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn
IC Markets
Đăng ký
Undo
While the govt collects a fair share of revenue from local traders, allowing online platforms to operate without adequate regulation poses a significant threat to our livelihoods," Saikia said.
Prantosh Roy, general secretary of the All Assam Traders Union (AATU), too voiced a similar sentiment. Explaining that they have been actively raising public awareness through seminars and meetings across Assam, Roy said thaty have urged the public to exercise caution when relying on e-commerce platforms.
"People are often swayed by mere product images online, and this is problematic because there's often no recourse when a product turns out to be faulty," Roy said.
The growth of technology in India has indeed accelerated dramatically, particularly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF), an initiative under the ministry of commerce and industry, the number of internet connections in the country had reached 895 million by June 2023, largely fueled by the 'Digital India' programme.
IBEF also reported that India's e-commerce sector had achieved approximately $14 billion in gross merchandise value (GMV) during the 2024 festive season, marking a 12% increase compared to the previous year.
Diganta Saikia, who operates an online meat retail business, acknowledged the profound transformation in consumer habits, driven by the rapid technological advancements. "People in major metro cities have grown accustomed to the convenience of doorstep delivery and this trend is now taking hold in Assam as well," he said, highlighting convenience as a primary driver of online purchases.
However, Saikia also noted the increasing competitiveness of the online retail space, with numerous new players entering the market. To remain relevant and retain customer interest, many businesses, including his own, are adopting innovative strategies such as subscription models, personalized services and hyperlocal delivery solutions.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

NASA Layoffs: Is Trump's budget cut approved by Congress? NASA asks employees to opt for early retirement, deferred resignation, or voluntary separation. Here's last date and terms of departure
NASA Layoffs: Is Trump's budget cut approved by Congress? NASA asks employees to opt for early retirement, deferred resignation, or voluntary separation. Here's last date and terms of departure

Time of India

time43 minutes ago

  • Time of India

NASA Layoffs: Is Trump's budget cut approved by Congress? NASA asks employees to opt for early retirement, deferred resignation, or voluntary separation. Here's last date and terms of departure

NASA has introduced a range of new programs aimed at reducing its workforce. These changes follow proposed budget cuts by the Trump administration for the 2026 fiscal year. The programs are voluntary and give employees multiple options for leaving the agency. New Programs for Staff Exit NASA sent memos to employees on June 9, announcing early retirement, deferred resignation, and voluntary separation incentive options. These programs are part of a larger workforce reduction effort. The goal is to reduce the number of NASA employees significantly by 2026. Also Read: 1923 Season 1 Netflix: Why will Netflix air only Season 1? Here's how and when to stream internationally by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like If You Eat Ginger Everyday for 1 Month This is What Happens Tips and Tricks Undo Reasons Behind Staff Reductions The Trump administration has proposed a 24% cut to NASA's overall budget for 2026. This proposal aims to lower the employee count from 17,391 to 11,853, a 32% drop. The proposed budget is still under review by Congress and not yet finalized. Deadline for Employee Decisions NASA has asked employees to decide by July 25 if they want to participate in the new staff reduction options. Those who opt into the Deferred Resignation Program will likely stop working soon afterward but will continue to receive pay until January 9, 2026. Live Events Also Read: This is why nearly 700,000 Americans lost Medicaid coverage in one month Terms of Departure According to the agency, employees who sign the separation agreement will start administrative leave within one to two weeks. Most participants are expected to complete their employment by January 9, 2026. Some critical staff may receive approval to delay their departure until April 1 or as late as September 30, 2026. Similar Changes Across Other Agencies NASA's new programs follow similar moves at other government agencies. Around 75,000 federal workers have already taken deferred resignation offers. Changes have also occurred at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), which recently ended remote work. Most of the 5,500 staff at JPL are now required to return to the office or resign. FAQs Why is NASA reducing its workforce now? NASA is responding to proposed budget cuts for 2026. These cuts aim to reduce spending and the number of employees across the agency. When will most participating employees leave NASA? Most employees who accept the offer will stop working by January 9, 2026. Some may stay until April or September 2026, based on need.

Tech could help process Census data within 9 months; mobile apps to be used for count
Tech could help process Census data within 9 months; mobile apps to be used for count

Time of India

timean hour ago

  • Time of India

Tech could help process Census data within 9 months; mobile apps to be used for count

NEW DELHI: Final population data from Census 2027 may be available as early as the end of 2027, thanks to the 'digital' mode being introduced for capturing and processing datasets in the upcoming exercise. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Sources in the govt indicated that unlike Census 2011 when it took almost a couple of years for the final population data to be published at the national, state, district and taluk levels, complete with the gender-wise break-up, govt estimates that the time lag between completion of Census in early March 2027 and release of final population data could be as little as nine months. Govt had recently announced March 1, 2027, as the new reference date for the upcoming Census. Though due to start in 2020, the Covid pandemic forced the govt to put the decadal exercise on hold. Census enumerators to use app to collect data Census 2027 will be held in two phases - the house-listing phase in 2026, followed by population enumeration phase in Feb 2027. For the first time, Census data will be collected digitally, using mobile phone apps in 16 languages (Hindi, English and 14 regional languages). These apps are designed to be simple and user-friendly for both the enumerators and citizens, since the latter will also have the option to self-enumerate, the sources said. Enumerators will no longer have to carry bulky paper schedules to the field. With tech use, data to be ready instantly The Census schedules will contain mostly pre-coded responses. On the mobile apps, various options would be available from the dropdown menu. The apps provide a fetching facility to go to a pre-filled Census house record and permit editing the same. The applications will reduce the burden of preparing abstracts, summaries and duplication of other associated work. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now With the help of mobile apps and intelligent character recognition (ICR) data processing mostly used to organise unstructured data, the entire data will be instantly ready for processing without extra logistics of schedules. For the first time, a separate code directory will be provided for enabling easy data collection in respect of several questions asked in the second phase of Census (population enumeration). For questions involving descriptive/non-numeric entries, a separate code directory containing possible responses and codes for each possible answer has been prepared. In tune with digital census, a census management and monitoring system (CMMS) portal has been developed by the Office of RGI for smooth conduct, management and monitoring of the exercise.

Gemini Daily Horoscope Today, June 12, 2025: Let joy be your compass today
Gemini Daily Horoscope Today, June 12, 2025: Let joy be your compass today

Time of India

time2 hours ago

  • Time of India

Gemini Daily Horoscope Today, June 12, 2025: Let joy be your compass today

Today reminds you to follow what lifts your spirit. Joy is not selfish—it is a signpost guiding you toward the life you are meant to live. The stars support spontaneous decisions, creative thinking, and laughter that comes from deep inside. Don't let heavy thoughts stop you from enjoying the present. Make space for happiness, even if it's small. A colourful moment, a light chat, or a new idea could change your mood entirely. Where joy leads, life blooms more fully. Gemini Love Horoscope Today Love feels lighter when you stop trying to make it serious all the time. If you're in a relationship, do something fun together—share stories, dance in the kitchen, laugh without reason. If you're single, let go of overthinking who's right or wrong. Enjoy getting to know someone new without planning everything. Love is more real when it grows from shared joy. Today, let your heart play a little. That lightness will naturally attract someone who sees your glow. Gemini Career Horoscope Today In your career, the more you enjoy your work, the more success flows. Let curiosity guide your tasks today. Ask questions, try different methods, or bring colour to your space. Your energy will lift the whole environment. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Simple. Clean. Solitaire Play Solitaire Download Undo Avoid taking on too much at once. Small wins bring motivation. If you've been thinking of a creative project, now is a great time to start. Let joy be your guide, not just deadlines. Gemini Money Horoscope Today With finances, don't let fear control your choices. Instead, think about what brings lasting happiness. It's okay to treat yourself, but only when it adds value, not just momentary relief. Be wise and cheerful while spending. You may also find a joyful way to earn—maybe a hobby that brings money. Money should support your joy, not replace it. Save where needed, but let your heart have a say too. Gemini Health Horoscope Today Your health improves naturally when your mood is bright. You may feel more active today, so use this energy well. Go for a walk, dance, or play something. If you're feeling mentally stuck, try laughter therapy or uplifting music. Avoid too much processed food—it may lower your energy. A fruit-filled snack or a colourful plate can lift your body and mood. Emotional health matters as much as physical. When joy leads, your whole body responds with lightness and strength. Discover everything about astrology at the Times of India , including daily horoscopes for Aries , Taurus , Gemini , Cancer , Leo , Virgo , Libra , Scorpio , Sagittarius , Capricorn , Aquarius , and Pisces .

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store