Chinese lights at Atta Market, Sector 18, Noida
This Diwali Noida is all set to boycott Chinese items. Indeed, people are using their online presence to spread the message. This boycott, according to residents, is the most fitting reply to China's continued support of Pakistan.
Naresh Kucchal, district president of Uttar Pradesh Udyog Vyapaar Pratinidhi Mandal (Uttar Pradesh Industry Trade Delegation), told City Spidey that every year, during Diwali, Noida alone logs sale of Chinese items to the tune of Rs 250 crore. But this year, it is expected to drop to Rs 150 crore. "The boycott of Chinese items has been called for since these products do not have any durability. And because these are sold dirt cheap, shoppers always prefer these to the slightly more expensive India-made products. So we might as well stop selling them," Kucchal added.
It is not just Chinese items that take over the market in the festive season. Even Japanese lights have entered the fray
Vatsala Parashar, RWA president of Sector 39, told City Spidey that she released a circular in her sector requesting residents to boycott all such cheap items. More RWAs in the city have joined this pre-Diwali campaign.
Residents have been supportive of the drive. Tarun Seth, a resident of Sector 25, said, "Every year, I buy at least 20 of these light strings, but this time I bought 10 Indian-made ones to support the Make In India campaign."
Kritika Singh, a resident of Sector 19, added, "This drive will not only boost the morale of Indian manufacturers, but boost job opportunities as well."
Noida Vyapaar Mandal president Omveer Awana said, "It's actually in the hands of people. They should boycott Chinese products this Diwali. Only then will shopkeepers be dissuaded from keeping Chinese products. The domestic manufacturing sector will never develop unless we stop buying these cheap items."
The China-made lights are attractive and are sold dirt cheap, leading to market monopoly
Shopkeepers and wholesalers dealing in Chinese items are already staring at huge losses this festive season.
Manoj Bhalla, a shopkeeper from Atta Market, Sector 18, told City Spidey that he had bought Chinese items worth Rs 3 lakh from a wholesaler, but if they remained unsold, it would spell huge financial losses for him.
Chinese lanterns at Atta Market, Sector 18, Noida
