Vegetable vendors take out protest rally

Erode:Vegetable vendors taking out a procession to protest against the entry of big players and multi-national corporations in retailing.Daily markets across Erode district sported a deserted look on Friday as vegetable and fruit vendors kept their shops closed and took out a protest march against the entry of big players and multi-national corporations into retailing.Nearly 500 persons took part in the march that ended up at the Collectorate.

More than 2,000 shops in Erode, Sathyamangalam, Gobichettipalayam, Dharapuram and other places remained closed.The protesting vendors, who later presented a list of demands to the district authorities, said they want the Government to protect small retail players by denying entry to big players and multi-national corporations and stop giving permission for establishment of special economic zones.They argued that the entry of MNCs would throw thousands of people out of jobs.Members said they wanted local authorities to provide better amenities in the market, like lavatories.