Retailers to meet on Aug 9 to discuss entry of big players

Mumbai, Jul 10 (UNI) Lakhs of retailers, including hawkers, co-operatives and others, under the umbrella of Joint Action Committee of Vyapaar Rozgaar Suraksha Kriti Samiti (VRSKS) will hold a meeting on August 9 at Shanmukhananda Hall in Central Mumbai to discuss about the entry of big players like Bharti, Reliance and also Wal-Mart into the retail sector.

Samiti Chairman Chandrakant Sanghvi today told reporters that the meeting will dwell on the future course of action about the entry of these leading players.

He said, ''Retailers are open to the setting up of new factories by these MNC's but they do not want to trade in the retail sector as it would affect their daily business majorly. Their entry would also affect second channel of wholesalers. This might lead to joblessness among the youth affecting the Indian economy adversely.'' He said the UPA government should resolve the issue amicably at the earliest before the election of the President.

Senior Committee Member and noted advocate Vinod Shetty said ''The success of the movement against corporate retail chains could be gauged by the delay in the plans of Wal-Mart and Bharti from inking the deal, even amidst reports that their first shop would be open on August 15 at New Delhi.'' Meanwhile, the Mukesh Ambani group, which had announced the opening of Reliance Fresh outlet every week, is also slowing down its pace due stiff opposition it is facing all over the country from hawkers and traders.

The Samiti has also decided to oppose the entry of domestic corporates like Reliance Retail, A V Birla, ITC, Big Bazaar and others besides calling for a repealment of wholesale cash-and-carry Act, Mr Shetty added.

UNI