Deprecated (16384): The ArrayAccess methods will be removed in 4.0.0.Use getParam(), getData() and getQuery() instead. - /home/brlfuser/public_html/src/Controller/ArtileDetailController.php, line: 150
 You can disable deprecation warnings by setting `Error.errorLevel` to `E_ALL & ~E_USER_DEPRECATED` in your config/app.php. [CORE/src/Core/functions.php, line 311]
Deprecated (16384): The ArrayAccess methods will be removed in 4.0.0.Use getParam(), getData() and getQuery() instead. - /home/brlfuser/public_html/src/Controller/ArtileDetailController.php, line: 151
 You can disable deprecation warnings by setting `Error.errorLevel` to `E_ALL & ~E_USER_DEPRECATED` in your config/app.php. [CORE/src/Core/functions.php, line 311]
Warning (512): Unable to emit headers. Headers sent in file=/home/brlfuser/public_html/vendor/cakephp/cakephp/src/Error/Debugger.php line=853 [CORE/src/Http/ResponseEmitter.php, line 48]
Warning (2): Cannot modify header information - headers already sent by (output started at /home/brlfuser/public_html/vendor/cakephp/cakephp/src/Error/Debugger.php:853) [CORE/src/Http/ResponseEmitter.php, line 148]
Warning (2): Cannot modify header information - headers already sent by (output started at /home/brlfuser/public_html/vendor/cakephp/cakephp/src/Error/Debugger.php:853) [CORE/src/Http/ResponseEmitter.php, line 181]
LATEST NEWS UPDATES | Cabinet approves 51 per cent FDI in multi-brand retail by Sujay Mehdudia

Cabinet approves 51 per cent FDI in multi-brand retail by Sujay Mehdudia

Share this article Share this article
published Published on Nov 24, 2011   modified Modified on Nov 24, 2011

FDI in single-brand retail raised from 51 to 100%
 
In a bid to remove the impression that UPA-II is suffering from a “decision making paralysis” and kicking off the second generation reforms, the Union Cabinet on Thursday gave its approval for 51 per cent foreign direct investment (FDI) in multi-brand retail and 100 per cent FDI in single-brand retail.

The decision is likely to clear the decks for the entry of foreign retail giants such as Teso, WalMart and Carrefour, which have been waiting in the wings for long to have a taste of the $450-billion retail Indian market.

The announcement evoked strong criticism from Opposition parties, including the BJP and the Left, but was welcomed wholeheartedly by corporate India. The opposition from one of the UPA allies, Trinamool Congress, to the proposals did not deter the government from taking the decision.

Emerging from the prolonged meeting, Food Minister K.V. Thomas announced the Cabinet decision. The FDI in single-brand retail was increased from 51 per cent. Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma will make a formal statement in Parliament on Friday. The Cabinet has almost endorsed most of the recommendations made by the Committee of Secretaries (CoS).

The proposal for 51 per cent FDI in retail has come with certain riders, including approval to be taken from the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB), a minimum investment of $100 million by the foreign investor, putting 50 per cent of the total FDI in back-end infrastructure and procurement of 30 per cent of the products from small scale industries.

Fresh agricultural produce, including fruits, vegetables, flowers, grain, pulses, fresh poultry, fishery and meat products, may be unbranded.

For the purpose of FDI in multi-brand retail, the Cabinet note describes small industries as units which have a total plant and machinery investment not exceeding $250,000 (around Rs.1.25 crore). This investment refers to the value at the time of installation, without providing for depreciation. The foreign retail chains will be required to comply with self-certification. They have to keep all records and the government will have the first right to procure agricultural produce.

The Cabinet note clearly states that investment made in processing, manufacturing, distribution, design improvement, quality control, cold chain, warehouses and packaging, amongst others, will constitute back-end investment. The retail chains will be allowed only in cities with a population of more than 10 lakh as per the 2011 census. There are 51 cities with a population of more than one million, based on the 2011 census.

Some of the key conditions for allowing 100 per cent FDI in single-brand retail are: selling products under the same brand name internationally; product retailing will cover only those products that are branded during manufacturing and the foreign investor should be the owner of the brand.

* Announcement invokes strong criticism from Opposition parties
* Anand Sharma to make formal statement in Parliament today

The Hindu, 25 November, 2011, http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/article2657937.ece


Related Articles

 

Write Comments

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

*

Video Archives

Archives

share on Facebook
Twitter
RSS
Feedback
Read Later

Contact Form

Please enter security code
      Close