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The enquiry committee to probe alleged lobbying by US-based retail major Walmart in India may re-examine various individuals. Also, the Cabinet is likely to consider extending the tenure of the committee for another month on Thursday.
The Government constituted a one-man committee on February 6, headed by former Chief Justice of Punjab and Haryana High Court Justice Mukul Mudgal, which was asked to submit its report within three months (by April 30). The committee is to inquire into media reports on disclosures of Walmart before the US Senate regarding their lobbying activities.
Since February, the committee met four times, with the last meeting on April 10, and examined various individuals, including ‘representatives of corporate entities’ related to the media reports.
However, “Some new issues have cropped up. That is why the committee has framed some more questions. Answers to these questions may be submitted in writing by the persons already appeared. These people may also be asked to give oral evidence again.” a senior Government official told Business Line .
The Government, while announcing the setting up of the committee, had said that taking note of press reports concerning Walmart regarding its disclosure filed in the US Senate declaring its expenditure of close to $25 million (about Rs 125 crore) since 2008 on lobbying activities undertaken by it in India, an assurance was given in Parliament to entrust an inquiry into the matter by a retired judge.
The Committee met representatives of Walmart Asia and Bharti Walmart Private Ltd on March 22. The official communication mentioned the meeting, but no details were given. It is said that the committee enquired into a particular term of reference on whether Wal-Mart undertook any activity in India in contravention of Indian law.
The committee had also asked general public furnish information having a bearing on the terms of reference. This information is also being examined by the committee, the official said, while mentioning that the panel was expected to give its report in May-June.
> shishir.sinha@thehindu.co.in
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