This refers to Kanika Datta's column "Swachh Business Abhiyan" (Swot, November 20). A business paradise should also be there for small businesses, especially self-employed people like hawkers, and those running shops. Why does the media focus its attention on big businesses alone? Big businesses do lobbying and there are powerful associations to look after their interests. When we talk of swachh business, we should focus on how these small businessmen are harassed by the local authorities, especially the municipal department and police, apart from the underworld. In Chennai, a space at the Marina Beach is controlled by underworld gangs and the stalls on the beach are also forced to purchase power from these gangs. Big businesses know how to take care of their interests, while small businessmen are left to fend for themselves. If a suitable environment is created for them there is no need for job reservations.
Even to run a shop, the owner does not enjoy the freedom to display the name of his shop in the language of his choice - regional outfits create problems. The name should not be only in English, even though the shop may cater to foreign customers - the name should also be displayed in the regional language. The Swachh Business Abhiyan should make life easy for these small businessmen, who are not lobbying for land or money, but just a congenial atmosphere to do business - they are not asking for the moon. We should not forget that even a roadside hawker generates employment opportunities for others. He buys raw material, generates employment for the suppliers and he hires a rickshaw to carry his goods, generating business in this chain.
Deendayal M Lulla Mumbai
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