FDI in multi-brand retail to harm Indian workers: Global report

It is absolutely true that FDI in multi-brand retail without adequate safeguards will lead to widespread displacement and poor treatment of Indian workers in logistics, agriculture and manufacturing. Moreover, it will be impossible to implement the safeguards because once allowed to set up multibrand retail shops the multinational retail giants will have scant respect for law. Wall-Mart and other global retail giants are waiting for Government node to enter India’s retail market. In fact they are relentlessly pressurizing the Indian Government to open up FDI in Multi-brand retail. They want to reach the Indian retail market not due to concern for the welfare of the people, but because of sheer greed; i.e. the desire to expand their empire and to earn extra profits. In fact, it is the brazen self-interest that drives western mega retail corporations to look for gullible markets in developing countries. Wall-Mart already has a joint venture with Bharti. Once the permission is given for 51 percent FDI in multi-brand retail trade, Wall-Mart and other global retail giants will swamp the Indian retail market and within a few years much of the unorganised retail traders will be forced to quit business and thereby lose their livelihood. It is alleged that Bharti-Walmart is illegally carrying out multi-brand retail trade despite being permitted only to carry out wholesale cash-and-carry or wholesale trade in the country. On the basis of the suit filed by environmental activist Vandana Shiva, the Delhi High Court sought replies of the Centre, Bharti-Walmart and Bharti Retail on a plea for a probe against the firms for allegedly carrying out retail trading in the multi-brand sector in violation of India's existing FDI policy. Thus, even before getting permission to operate multi-brand retail stores, Wall-Mart has violated Indian rules and regulations unlawfully involved in multi-brand retail trading. Now the question is, will Wall-Mart and other multinational retail giants respect Indian laws once permission is granted to operate multi- brand retail stores?Dr.C.Murukadas, The Times of India, August 22, 2012