WB govt ready for talks on Reliance retail outlets

Kolkata, Aug 28 (UNI) In its first reaction to the decision of Reliance Industries to put a brake on the proposed rollout of retail outlets in the state, the West Bengal Government today said it was ready for talks to hammer out a solution.

''We have not heard anything formally from Reliance. If they let us know officially we can hold immdiate dialogues with them to find out a solution,'' Industries Minister Nirupam Sen told reporters here.

His comment came a day after Reliance retail Chief Executive Raghu Pillai said the company would put hold on rollout of its retail business in West Bengal because of the incidents of attack on outlets.

Mr Sen, however, did not comment on a question about the Forward Bloc welcoming the Reliance decision.

Meanwhile, Marxist Forward Bloc leader and state Fire Services Minister Pratim Chatterjee said even if Reliance Retail was forced to stay out of the state, there would be no guarantee of remunerative price for farmers for their produces.

''It is all right if Reliance does not set up retail business here. But will it ensure remunerative price for farmers?'' he asked.

Pointing at the smaller retail chains already keeping agri-products in their outlets, Mr Chatterjee said it was double standard to allow these outlets and keep Reliance away.

UNI