Rivals to unite in Siliguri?

Citing loss of market strength and the falling distribution segment in Siliguri as a result of the association wars in the town, the two associations of the city, IT Dealers Association (ITDAS) and North Bengal IT Traders Organization (NITO) has stepped forward aiming to merge the two associations for the benefit of ethical trading as well as restoring Siliguri as the distribution hub for north Bengal.

Sources in ITDAS said that the local market is plagued with credit issues as well as the falling rate of distribution houses. Most of the distribution business is allegedly controlled by Kolkata based firms and the local partners are left dry as a result of the entry of the Kolkata based firms in the local market.

"It is both the vendors as well as the Kolkata based companies who are reaping the benefit from this market as it has two associations which not only competes profoundly against each other but issues diktats based on ego issues. So far, after the split in the original association many years back, the market here only shrunk instead of any growth", a dealer in Siliguri said wishing not to be quoted.

"A unified and strong association here will definitely help in stabilising the market as well as revive the distribution segment", he further added.

NITO and ITDAS had previously finalised their expos back-to-back in January but cancelled it eventually as the dual expos resulted in much confusion among the vendors (sponsors) as well as the dealers who felt it might affect sales.

"CIITA had visited Siliguri on our appeal and the president, B. Hari had played a very important role in bringing together the office bearers of both the associations to come to a common platform", said Sankar Dhar, secretary, NITO.

"In that meeting it was unanimously decided to propose a merger of the two associations and host a common expo", Dhar added.

NITO has planned to hold a meeting on January 9 with its members and the office bearers to proceed over the proposed merger and ITDAS will be holding a similar meeting on January 5.

"Until now, the office bearers of NITO and ITDAS are unanimous over the proposed merger but we need to consult the members first where questions pertaining to the merger will be taken up", said Rajesh Rathi, president, ITDAS.

Rathi further said that "a lot depends on the senior and founding members of the associations" as their consent and views for the projected unification is crucial which will lay the future course of action.

Also, in case of a deadlock during the proceedings and the amalgamation, both the associations are likely to address the same to CIITA.