‘We Are in Bad Shape, Our Businesses Have Collapsed’: Agra Traders

The Quint’s election chaupal reaches Agra to know what the traders have to say about demonetisation and GST.

The Quint‘s election Chaupal reached Agra to know what the traders in the city have to say about demonetisation and GST.

(Photo: The Quint)

Video Editor: Varun Sharma

Agra, the city known for its tourism and leather industries, saw The Quint's election chaupal stop by to learn about what traders in the city have to say about demonetisation and GST.

Ravindra Pal Singh, Convenor of Agra Mandal Vyapar Sangathan, is unhappy about the government not fulfilling promises, and said, "I trusted PM Modi thinking he would do some work for media. But I was hugely disappointed that he didn’t deliver as promised. For example, he promised to remove Article 370, to build the Ram temple, that they won’t let the FDI control ownership."

On other hand, Shariq Anees, an owner of a shoe factory, is unhappy with demonetisation and GST, which he says led to his business crashing.

“I was discussing with my friend that I have been working since the last 17 years, but this year has seen the worst.The shoe industry has only been shrinking over the last 4 years. Demonetisation and the GST worsened it. Now, only 30% of people are working which means 70% of them are unemployed.”

Shariq Anees, owner of a shoe factory

Tourism Industry Suffering As Well

Sandeep, President of the Agra Tourism Development Foundation, says, "On one hand, we are waiting for the airport to be built in Agra. On the other hand, good governance, small-scale industries and the indigenous trade of this place is suffering. Tourism flourishes when people are happy and have money to spend, then they can think of travelling. Another reason for the slump in tourism is that the ticket price of these monuments has been increased."

Watch the entire video here.