Support for multinationals from local consumer forums

Kozhikode
At a time when the State is witnessing a seething opposition to the entry of multinational retail companies, rural areas of Kozhikode district were witness to a reverse trend recently. Consumers at many places are rallying support for the entry of big players like Reliance Fresh, retail chain division of Reliance Industries Limited, in the State.

Interestingly, most of these assemblies voicing support for retail giants are organised by local consumer forums. At least 2,000 people gathered at a rally organised by the Upabhokritha Samrakshana Samithi at Mukkom town a couple of days ago. Activists from Mukkom, Karassery, Kodiyattor, Cheruvadi and Omassery grama panchayats joined the rally.

Activists
Samithi president Abdulla Koya said here on Wednesday that the rally was not organised to support the Reliance. “There are hundreds of organisations here. But nobody wants to take up cudgels on behalf of the consumers. The traders have been taking the consumers for a ride. So if some company wants to set up a shop promising benefits to the consumers we have no option but to support them,” he said.

He said that people irrespective of political affiliations, religion and caste joined the rally. Many such rallies will be organised throughout the district. Consumers should not be hoodwinked for a long time, Mr. Koya said.

Sub Standard Quality
Reliance has proposed to open an outlet at Mukkom town apart from eight other towns, including Perambra, Nadapuram, Feroke and Kuttiyadi. At least 12 outlets would be opened in Kozhikode city and its suburbs. Reliance Fresh will offer vegetables, fruits, fish and meat on daily purchases and groceries on monthly purchases, officials said.

Mr. Koya said that consumers were never sold products of standard quality at cheaper rates in the State although it was their right. Most of the political parties supported the demands of traders but usually they failed to protect the rights of consumers.

“Anti consumer”
 “Traders have now started propaganda that their livelihood would be ruined if retail giants such as Reliance Fresh commenced operations. This argument is illogical. It is like saying that small clinics will be closed down if multi-specialty hospitals are starting in a region. In fact the opposition to entry of retail supermarkets is denying the consumer of his rights,” he said.

He accused the traders of selling products more than the maximum retail price found on packets. Even milk is being sold at higher rates. “Any opposition to the entry of super markets chain is anti-consumer. The traders should desist from make false statements and shed inhibitions about retail outlets,” Mr. Koya said.