(a) whether a study conducted by the Indian Council for Research
on International Economic Relations (ICRIER) on Foreign
Direct Investment (FDI) on Multi Brand Retail and its impact on
retailers/vendors and various stakeholders has been assessed before
opening up the FDI in retail trading;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the reasons for delay to open up FDI in Multi-Brand Retail
Trading and the steps taken by the Government to resolve the issue
at the earliest?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY (SHRI JYOTIRADITYA M. SCINDIA)
(a): Government had instituted a study, on the subject of
``Impact of Organized Retailing on the Unorganized Sector`` through
the Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations
(ICRIER).The report was submitted to Government in 2008.
(b): Main findings of the ICRIER study are at Annex.
(c): The Government after considering the findings of the ICRIER
study, released a discussion paper on ‘Foreign Direct Investment in
Multi-Brand Retail Trading’ with the objective of obtaining the views
and comments of various stakeholders, for informed policy making.
Comments were received from stakeholders, including trade/industry/retailers’
associations; farmers’ associations; prominent retailers; consumers;
small industries etc. An inter-ministerial committee analyzed the responses.
The analysis indicated a mixed response from the different stakeholders
to the issues raised in the discussion paper. A Committee of Secretaries
(CoS) subsequently considered the matter. The Government has not taken any
decision in the matter.