The Hindu Business Line : Small traders plan protest on Aug 9

Mumbai, Aug. 7 Following the announcement by Bharti of a joint venture with retail giant Wal-Mart, the Vyapar Rozgar Suraksha Kriti Samiti of Maharashtra is protesting the entry of foreign direct investment in the trade.

Under the guidance of the Federation of Associations Maharashtra, the committee, comprising various hawkers, retailers, wholesalers and vendors, is planning to stage a protest on August 9. “Many organisations across the country are opposing the move and we hope to coordinate with them to bring about an effective protest,” said Mr Mohan Gurnani, Director of Mumbai Agricultural Produce Market committee.

Five wholesale markets in Vashi are going on a voluntary strike to protest the entry of not only FDI, but also corporates in retail trade.

“There are five lakh hawkers in Maharashtra alone, 95 per cent of whose business will suffer due to this move. The vada-pav and vegetables, to name two items, which were sold on the streets, are going to be available in malls at a lower rate. Why will people buy from the road?” said Mr Suresh Kapile, General Secretary, Bombay Hawker’s Union.

“This will lead to a law and order problem, where hundreds of people, who are rendered jobless will go on a rampage, since there is no provision for alternative employment,” said Advocate Mr Vinod Shetty of the India FDI Watch.

More Stories on : Retailing | West Bengal | Foreign Direct Investment

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