A CORRESPONDENT
PATHSALA: The entrepreneurial spirit of Pathsala’s youth is facing a severe setback as the rapid growth of shopping malls, e-commerce platforms, and the relocation of key institutions and government offices to other areas reshape the local economy.
In recent years, the arrival of large retail outlets and the boom in online shopping have dramatically changed consumer habits. While these developments offer buyers more convenience, they have also created intense competition for small, local businesses struggling to survive.
Many aspiring entrepreneurs in Bajali said that starting a new shop or service now carries high risk. “Customers prefer the variety, discounts, and doorstep delivery that malls and online platforms like Amazon and Flipkart offer,” said one young resident.
The challenges in Pathsala are further compounded by the shifting of educational and administrative hubs. Once celebrated as the ‘Education Town,’ the locality has witnessed a sharp decline in the number of students in colleges, schools, and hostels. The upgradation of Bajali College to Bhattadev University and its relocation to Medhikhuchi in Bhawanipur is expected to pose serious challenges for local traders.
Many who had already paid advance rent for commercial spaces now fear substantial losses as the student population continues to fall. Concerned locals have questioned who bore responsibility for this economic downturn and called for urgent government measures to revive Pathsala’s once-thriving business scene.
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