Traders observe bandh to protest FDI in retail sector

Mumbai, Aug 9 (UNI) Traders in essential commodities like sugar, foodgrains and edible oils at Navi Mumbai, APMC and South Mumbai today observed a one-day bandh, protesting against the Centre's proposal to allow Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the retail sector.

The ''bandh'' was called by The Federation of Associations of Maharashtra (FAM), which is the apex body of traders in the state.

FAM president Mohan Gurnani said, ''We are demanding the withdrawal of the proposal. The Government has gone ahead with its liberalization policy in regard to FDI in the retail sector despite conclusive evidence submitted by the Federation that it will have a disastrous effect on small retailers.'' Mr Gurnani informed that retail and wholesale traders from across the country have planned a four-day ''dharna'' beginning September 11 in Delhi to press for the demand.

''FAM strongly disapproves the Government's decison to favourably consider Walmart-Bharati deal. While the government wants to consider this as a 'Cash&Carry Wholesale' proposal, this is in effect a backdoor entry given to Walmart to conduct retail trade in India. It is highly unfortunate that a large Indian corporate house is assisting Walmart, in achieving their objective, which can not be reached by the straight forward method,'' Mr Gurnani said.

Meanwhile, protests against the proposal were also held in Nagpur, Nasik, and Pune cities of the state.

The traders also demanded the repeal of the APMC Model Act, implementation of the National Policy on Street Vendors, measures against predatory pricing, and formulation of a national policy on retail trade and small scale industries.

UNI