Govt grilled in RS over FDI in retail

New Delhi, May 17: The government was today grilled by the opposition and the Left allies in Rajya Sabha during Question Hour on the issue of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in retail with the members expressing apprehension that domestic retail industry would be adversely affected.

Agitated members of the opposition BJP, supported by the Left parties, the Samajwadi Party and others demanded a discussion on the impact of FDI on domestic industry after Commerce Minister Kamal Nath failed to give a satisfactory reply to their queries. Chairman Bhairon Singh Shekhawat conceded the demand of the members for a thorough discussion on the topic in this session only.

The members were not satisfied by the Minister's repeated assurances that domestic retailers would not be affected.

He said no policy decision had been taken on allowing FDI in general retail and was still being discussed.

Dr Murli Manohar Joshi (BJP) demanded a discussion on the subject and Ms Brinda Karat (CPI-M) declared ''we are all one on this issue.'' They were supported by members of other political parties as the Minister said he was prepared for a discussion. The Chairman said he would hold a discussion in this session only.

UNI