CHENNAI: This is certainly no storm in a tea cup. The UPA government’s decision to allow FDI in the retail sector seems to have stoked emotional responses from people in the city. While a majority have flatly rejected FDI in retail and welcomed Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa’s statement, a few feel a bit of competition could only work out for the good of the consumer.“When the foreigners came to India centuries back, they came to trade. Then they ended up ruling us. Last time, they came on their own. This time, our government is inviting them. We have to learn from the past,” says Dr V Vancheeshwaran, who continues to practice in Chennai despite recently shifting base to Wayanad.“Allowing FDI in retail will kill a part of culture, the culture of a relationship with the persons who bring your food to your house. For instance, I can ask my vendor for a piece of ginger. He will give it to me and refuse to charge me for it. Retail chains will only let me buy say a 100gms or 250gms packet. I don’t need that much, and the employee in the shop doesn’t care,” he adds.Vancheeshwaran concedes there is a problem with rising prices, but insists that allowing FDI in the retail sector is certainly not the solution. He suggests the government must step in with a strong procurement system so that prices will be kept in check while also ensuring that farmers get their due. “Ever since I moved to Wayanad, I have seen that farmers get paid a pittance for their toil. Foreign retail firms have a track record of predatory procurement. That will only lead to more farmer suicides,” says Vancheeshwaran. On the other end of the opinion pole is A Chandrasekaran, a Prasar Bharati employee. “Shopkeepers are opposed to the idea because they are afraid they will not be able to continue with their practice of cheating and delivering substandard goods and services. This is a function of our time. If the foreigners can sell for a cheaper price, so can our small traders. But they don’t have the intention to compete,” he says.Chandrasekaran shot down the argument that allowing foreign players in the retail sector would wipe out local businesses. “Ha! That’s what they said in the automobile sector. That’s what they said about FDI in insurance. Are Indian automobile companies not thriving? Is LIC still not doing well?” he asks.Dr Vancheeshwaran has a quick comeback. “I am not concerned about the wellbeing of millionaires. Let’s talk about the common people,” he says with a note of finality.Even as points and counterpoints fly back and forth, there are yet others who remain unfazed by the issue. “I don’t understand what the fuss is about. Whoever offers you good products and services at cheaper prices is going to prevail. It is every household for itself,” says.
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