The CAIT has received requests from various quarters to extend the deadline for the submission of suggestions on the draft e-commerce rules beyond July 6.

Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) secretary general, Praveen Khandelwal, described such demands as ‘unjustified’ and said that there is no need for extension of the date beyond the July 6 deadline.

“The rules are not rocket science, which needs investigation to provide suggestions. Then why the need for an extension? The draft rules are quite unambiguous and leave no or minimal scope for giving suggestions. The demand for extension in time is nothing but a delaying tactic of a few vested interest people,” he said.

According to him, the new draft rules will not only empower the consumers but will also create parity between all verticals of retail trade.

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He said that after analyzing the suggestions received over the draft rules, CAIT will, “flush out the malpractices being conducted by foreign-funded e-commerce companies and will encourage more small businesses across the country in the adoption of e-commerce as an additional mode of business as part of the Digital India call of Prime Minister Narendra Modi”.

Talking about opposing policies introduced by the government, Khandelwal said, “It has become a fashion to resist any rules or policies concerning foreign-funded companies, introduced by the government. All of a sudden, people start complaining about the compliance burden, stringent rules, hurting the consumers etc. The government must take cognisance of such unwarranted factors.”

He further said, “It is learnt that a few companies have questioned the mandatory provision for registration with the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). The government has a right to know as to how many e-commerce companies are working in the country and therefore the provision for registration will streamline and regulate e-commerce business in India.”

He stressed the fact that e-commerce, being a promising mode of future business in India, needs to have organized rules.

“Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) should be set up to regulate and monitor e-commerce business in India and offenders should be dealt with suitable penal action. The fall-back liability will protect the customers from fraudulent practices. These rules will emerge as a foundation stone for an even level playing field for e-commerce business in India,” Khandelwal said.

CAIT promises to ensure that once the suggestions are received by July 6, the rules, after considering the same, should be enforced immediately.