The Rajya Sabha has been adjourned till 2.30pm. Replying to the motion on FDI in multi-brand retail,Commerce minister Anand Sharma quoted a report saying, JD (U) leader N K Singh had advocated for
FDI in retail. When N K Singh wanted to contest the minister's observation, the chair did not permit him to speak. On this, the entire opposition started shouting slogans. In the din, deputy chairman P J Kurien adjourned the House till 2.30.
Earlier in the day, Mr Sharma asserted that all the stakeholders including chief ministers were consulted before allowing 51 per cent Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the multi-brand retail sector.The Minister denied opposition allegations that they were not consulted. He said most of the chief ministers replied in response to his communication in regard to FDI. Outlining the benefits to the farming community and the common man, the minister cited examples of foreign countries, which have allowed FDI in the multi-brand retail sector.
The Rajya Sabha today resumed the discussion after suspending the question hour. As soon as the House met for the day, Chairman Mohammed Hamid Ansari said 23 speakers had participated in the discussion yesterday. Eleven more members wanted to take part in the discussion today. He said the question hour has been dispensed with on the request of those members who could not speak yesterday. The Chairman said he has acceded to their requests as a rarest of the rare case.
Balvinder Singh Bhunder of the Shiromani Akali Dal opposed the government's decision to allow 51 per cent FDI in retail sector saying that the foreign investors will be of no use to the Indian farming community.
Dr Prabha Thakur of the Congress said the FDI will bring greater opportunities to the farmers to market their produce. She said it will create more jobs.
Shanta Kumar of the BJP said the government should allow FDI in important sectors like Railway expansion and tourism projects.
Shivanand Tewari of the JD(U) criticizing the economic policies of the World Bank, IMF, ADB, called
for a full-fledged discussion in the House on the adverse impact of the world economic policies on the Indian culture and life style of the people.
CPI leader D Raja disapproved FDI in retail saying India is drifting from the Directive Principles of State Policy as enshrined in the Constitution.
Kumar Deepak Das of the Asom Gana Parishad said his party is not against economic reforms but not at the cost of poor farmers and unemployed youth. Biswajeet Daimary of the Bodoland People's Front supported the government move on FDI. Devender Singh Prajapati of the Indian National Lok Dal and Ram Vilas Paswan of the Lok Jana Shakti Party also participated in the discussion. The voting will take place after his reply.
