The Bharat Vyapar Bandh called by the Confederation
of All India Traders (CAIT) on 20th September, 2012 in protest against
FDI in Retail has evoked good response from all over the Country. Nearly
10 thousand Trade Federations & Associations are expected to
participate in the Bharat Vyapar Bandh.The traders have sought support
to their Bharat Vyapar Bandh from all political parties and
organisations of farmers,transporters,labourers,employees and other
sections of the people who are dependent upon retail trade for their
livelihood. The FDI in retail will create un-even level playing field in
the country which will be tilting towards the MNCs and will prove to be
a nightmare for trade and consumers.The Trade leaders demanded that
Govt should withdraw the permission of FDI in Retail & constitute a
Joint Committee of all stakes holders to make indepth study of the
Retail Trade & to look into the recommondations of parliamentry
standing committee.
CAIT National president B.C. Bhartia & National
Secretary General Praveen Khandelwal questioned the need of FDI in
Retail Trade. The Indian retail sector which is being successfully run
by the indiginious capital is registering an annual growth of about 15%
p.a. and contributing nearly 10% to the GDP has an impressive track
record and therefore no foreign investment is required. The shortcomings
on the infrastructure front is purely a failure of the Government and
for such a failure the small traders can not be made scapegoat who has a
fear of being wiped out once the MNC’s begin their operations in India
simply of the reason that they operate on predatory pricing policy to
wipe out the competition. They will compete with each other as they are
doing in other countries. When in controlling situtation they also choke
free supply of merchandise as they play refree and decide what products
should go to consumers and what not. The dictum “ When Elephants fight,
the ground below gets trampted” will prove true.
The foreign retailers can open in big cities. But
they will source from mandis across rural India and small towns. With
their money power, over time, they can corner the supply of produce and
dominate the sourcing side. This will devastate the Indian trade in
rural and small towns. If Gangotri is cornered, then the water supply in
the plains will not be there. This is what the government is
permitting. Competition is not only at retail. It will be at source of
supply. PLEASE NOTE THAT 50% OF RURAL ECONOMY IN INDIA IS SERVICES, AND A
MAJOR PART OF THAT IS TRADE, BOTH WHOLESALE AND RETAIL. This will be
devastated.
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