-The Hindu   The All-India Democratic Women's Association (AIDWA) has strongly opposed the decision of the Congress-led government to throw open the Indian retail market to Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to the tune of 51 per cent in the multi-brand retail sector. “This will have a very serious and adverse impact on around 1.5 crore small retailers in our country. The livelihood of more than 4 crore self-employed people is being placed at...

-PTI   In a rare show of unity, a combined Opposition will seek to corner the UPA government in Parliament on Monday on its decision to allow FDI in retail. A clear indication to this effect was given today by the Leader of Opposition in Lok SabhaSushma Swaraj who said BJP leader Murli Manohar Joshi has submitted a notice ofadjournment motion on the FDI issue on behalf of the party. "We want the House...

-The Times of India   The government convened an all-party meet to end the FDI logjam in Parliament on Tuesday morning.  The all-important meeting was chaired by Pranab Mukherjee, and according to Times Now, failed to make any breakthrough.  It remains to be seen if the opposition parties allow Parliament to function.  Pranab Mukherjee, who met the opposition leaders to end the FDI crisis in Parliament, is likely to apprise Prime Minister Manmohan Singh about...

—PTI Differences in the Congress over allowing FDI in retail surfaced on Sunday with Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee chief Ramesh Chennithala writing to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh opposing the move and asking the party government in the State not to implement it. Party equations The Congress in Kerala has been opposing FDI in retail fearing that the Opposition Left will capitalise on it by weaning away small and marginal retail shop owners from...

Global retail chains looking to set up shop in India may face several challenges such as delay in the implementation of goods and services tax and restrictions imposed by the Agricultural Produce Marketing Committee (APMC) Act, besides political opposition. These hurdles can be roadblocks in providing real benefits to farmers and consumers as intended by the government in opening the multi-brand retail sector to foreign direct investment. “GST (goods and services tax)...