Team Goemkarponn
BICHOLIM: Drawing attention to the dismal condition of shopkeepers and traders in Bicholim due to factors ranging from the growing presence of malls and changing consumption patterns, the Bicholim Merchants Association emphasizes that successful resumption of mining operations is essential for economic revival and inclusive development of the region.
They have raised concerns about high inflationary trends affecting small shopkeepers, who are struggling as their income levels fail to keep pace with rising costs.
Mining resumption is seen as crucial for the overall economic progress of Bicholim Taluka. According to a 2019 report by FIMI, one mining job creates ten indirect jobs in the economy. It is anticipated that with the resumption and ramp-up of mining in Bicholim, both direct and indirect employment will increase, leading to higher disposable incomes and spending.
This growth is expected to boost incomes for shopkeepers and drive demand for essential commodities and local services.
The Bicholim Merchants Association highlights the challenges faced by the town’s traditional traders. Factors like the proliferation of malls and shopping complexes, rising online shopping trends, and expansion of markets in nearby areas have led to a drop in footfall in the Bicholim market.
The prolonged ban on mining further exacerbated these challenges, causing a contraction in traditional markets and reduced incomes among residents.
“While we are seeing some movement with mining resuming, the pace of operations needs to pick up substantially. A fully operational mining sector will have a ripple effect, enhancing economic activity across the region and directly benefiting traders,” said Devidas Karekar, President of the Bicholim Merchants Association.
“It’s not just about the direct jobs; the entire ecosystem, from transporters to local shops and service providers, will gain momentum. We strongly urge a full-fledged expansion of mining activities.”
Adding to this, Naresh Kadkade, another senior representative of the Bicholim Merchants Association, remarked, “The people of Bicholim, especially small traders and shopkeepers, are in dire need of a steady revival of economic activity. Mining offers a unique opportunity to rejuvenate the local economy by increasing disposable income and spending power in the region. We hope that the pending issues hindering full-scale mining operations are resolved swiftly, as a thriving mining sector is key to turning around the fortunes of our market.”
“Mining has always been the backbone of economic activity in Bicholim. Its full-scale resumption is critical for restoring livelihoods and reviving local markets. Beyond the direct impact, mining stimulates demand for various goods and services, benefiting not just merchants but the entire community. We urge all stakeholders to expedite the process for stable and consistent operations to ensure inclusive growth in the region,” said Vishwanath Dawaskar, a representative of the Bicholim Merchant’s Association.
The festive season that has passed did little to uplift the spirits of the merchants in Bicholim, as sales remained muted. However, merchants remain optimistic, believing that the resumption of full-scale mining operations, coupled with the upcoming marriage and harvest season, will provide the much-needed economic boost to revitalize local businesses. The multiplier effect from mining is expected to enhance employment opportunities and discretionary spending, contributing significantly to the resurgence of Bicholim’s traditional markets.
