The editorial “Misplaced obsession” (Nov. 28) on the UPA government's decision to allow 51 per cent foreign direct investment in multi-brand retail is an eye-opener. The argument by our policymakers that Walmart-like multinationals can find a solution to inflation is shameful. Are they incapable of identifying the causes of inflation and taking remedial steps? If they cannot think of creative and innovative steps, let them copy the Walmart business model. Why bring it here?
D.J. Vineeth,
Kancheepuram
The UPA government's decision will sound the death knell for small kirana stores across the country. Its claim that its move will generate huge employment, lead to a reduction in prices and contain inflation is fallacious. The decision appears to be influenced by big business houses. It is certainly not in the interest of the aam aadmi , in whose name the UPA came to power.
T.S.C. Bose,
Hyderabad
The UPA's seven-plus years in power have been a saga of lost, skipped, skewed and brought forward priorities. As rightly noted in the editorial, the government should focus on improving the PDS and enhancing agricultural productivity. All other sectors of the economy can take care of themselves on the present levels of policy support. The time for FDI in retail will come, like progressing from class 5 to class 8.
M. Balakrishnan,
Bangalore
The biggest source of self-employment after agriculture is the retail sector. Is opening it to FDI without any fair trade laws right? We should encourage FDI only in areas where we lack the requisite technology. What new technology will Walmart bring?
K. Dhivyajanani,
Bangalore
Before introducing the second-generation reforms, the government should have worked on infrastructure development. Reforms are said to bring the much-talked about technology. But one wonders what kind of technology retail trade can bring.
Prerna Sharma,
Gurgaon
Globalisation is necessary but an FDI of 51 per cent will affect small retailers to a large extent. Growth within the country should be the government's priority. People will find it difficult to adapt themselves to the Walmart culture overnight. What FDI in retail will do is bring about sudden growth, not sustainable growth.
Sowmiya R. Prasad,
Thiruvananthapuram
The Cabinet decision is a reminder of the khaas aadmi dispensation, rather than the deceptive aam aadmi slogan of the Congress. Are we to believe that the replacement of the existing domestic retail structure with a videshi one will remove unemployment and inequalities? Or, is the decision aimed at pleasing the global village headman? Is there any life-saving technology transfer involved in this imprudent anti-people decision? Thankfully, the unflinching struggle of the Left against the decision has succeeded in mobilising support.
Kasim Sait,
Chennai
