The recent furore all over the country on the issue of allowing FDI in retail has blown the heads of many pro-reformists present in the country. Political opportunism always takes precedence against National interest when it comes to reforms in India. The so called saviours of 'Kirana Store' owners are oblivious of the plight of farmers or rather agriculture as a whole which, ironically, constitutes a large portion of India's working class(almost 57%). The simple economic facts facing the nation does not seem to deter the political paralysis created by the opposition. With the growth falling to 6.9% in the second quarter of this fiscal year, government all set to cross its fiscal deficit target of 4.6%of GDP by atleast 1 percentage point, rupee falling to record lows with no recovery expected, inflation running close to double digits, foreign investment by portfolio investors falling to negative, uncertain global environment and what not, you would expect some sanity and rationality to prevail amongst the country's maai baaps(MPs). But clearly that is a distant dream for all of us- Sanity never equals MPs in India.
FDI in retail with riders as suggested by the government could have been a boon to the back end infrastructure development in india which as many experts say is the prime reason behind the high food cost inflation. Simple but high investment basics such as Cold storages, warehousing, better transportation, etc could have been a boon to farmers who see almost 30-40% of their farm produce being wasted after harvesting due to lack of above facilities. Also, it could have helped them to get better prices for their produce as large retailers would have eliminated middle man and thus provided better value for their produce. But clearly welfare of farmers, who do not have proper political representation as well as have small pockets, is the last thing on the minds of our legislators. God save thee INDIA........
- Sunny Gusain
FDI in retail with riders as suggested by the government could have been a boon to the back end infrastructure development in india which as many experts say is the prime reason behind the high food cost inflation. Simple but high investment basics such as Cold storages, warehousing, better transportation, etc could have been a boon to farmers who see almost 30-40% of their farm produce being wasted after harvesting due to lack of above facilities. Also, it could have helped them to get better prices for their produce as large retailers would have eliminated middle man and thus provided better value for their produce. But clearly welfare of farmers, who do not have proper political representation as well as have small pockets, is the last thing on the minds of our legislators. God save thee INDIA........
- Sunny Gusain
