Question : FDI POLICY

(a) whether several sectors such as Housing, Defence, Print Media etc., are not permitted for FDI according to existing FDI policy;

(b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;

(c) whether the Government now propose to change the existing policy by allowing Foreign Direct Investment in certain sectors, which were not permitted under the previous policy;

(d) if so, the details thereof indicating the names of sectors in which Foreign Direct Investment has been allowed;

(e) whether the Government propose to give a special dispensation to the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation for inviting FDI; and

(f) if so, the details thereof?

THE MINISTER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY (SHRI MURASOLI MARAN)

(a) to (f) : A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (f) OF LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 122 FOR ANSWER ON 2-3-2001.

(a) to (d) : FDI policy for various sectors is decided depending upon the sector specific priorities in consultation with the concerned Ministries of the Government. Government has already put in place a transparent, dynamic and investment friendly FDI policy, placing almost all activities under the automatic route for FDI upto 100% except a small list, with a view to attracting more foreign investment into the country. FDI is not permitted in housing and real estate, agriculture, defence industries, and print media sectors. Government constantly reviews the FDI policy in consultation with the administrative ministries concerned.

(e) & (f) : A proposal has recently been received from the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation and is under active consideration.