Madhurima
NEW DELHI: FRAI or the Federation of Retailer Association of India appealed to the government on Monday, in order to allow small shops to open instantly. This is because the national lockdown has led to an absolute halt in the income flow of small shop owners. Therefore the request was made to seek compensation for their loss, in terms of income.
The association claims to represent around 4 crore small, micro and medium retailer from the country along with a membership of 34 retail association. FRAI stated that all the capital of these small owners is depended on the stock of unsold products they posses since the lockdown.
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These owners are now highly dependent upon the small savings they have, in order to support their family.
President of FRAI, Ram Asre Mishra requested Modi so that the prime minister could "empathise with the hardships" which are being faced by the members. They also must be enabled to "open their shops immediately".
He also mentioned, "We also appeal to the Hon'ble Prime Minister to immediately announce an economic package to compensate the losses of the petty retailers in their daily income under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana."
Mishra also raised a question, "while big grocery shops selling essential commodities are allowed to operate during the lockdown, why should our small shopkeeper brothers, who also sell similar goods of daily public needs, be deprived to earn their livelihood?"
FRAI also revealed that months from March to June are important for small scale retailers as they can earn extra income and save at the same time. Sale of all sorts of products speeds up from this period.
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"Unfortunately, this lockdown has come at the time of the peak months for them and they have already given up the hope to make extra income during the peak season. These poor individuals and their families are now facing certain poverty and survival challenges," FRAI added.
