Wal-Mart supremo holds talks with PM

We are discussing about an ideal situation, jobs, customer service, low prices sounds really good but do you think the government would allow at cost of loosing such a huge amount of voters. Starting business with a small neighborhood store is the most common business in India what about those people who are involved in it and what if big MNC retailers start exploiting our people. Wal-Mart has a history of sweatshop labor in overseas factories and unfair labor practices in the U.S. and other countries, including Mexico. The company has over 80 wage and hour lawsuits pending against it in the United States, and in February 2005 was forced to pay $135,540 in civil money penalties to the U.S. Department of Labor over charges of 24 child-labor violations. Some time back there was also a news that Wal-Mart Stores Inc. uses Chinese factories that deny workers overtime pay and maternity leave and pay them less than the local minimum wage, according to the reports from labor monitoring groups. Again a Newsweek article entitled "Teens at Work" brought to light Wal-Mart's questionable use of teenaged laborers at the retailer's stores in Mexico. The article explained how Wal-Mart takes advantage of a legal loophole in Mexico, which allows the use of unsalaried youths if they are "volunteering" their services. So, FDI in retail is good but the government should keep in mind the track record of Wal Mart too.

@Mr Sanjay Thakur: " Why should Bharti Group start this join Venture with Wal-Mart?" Beacause, they believe that they can make a difference

"Do we not have potential Investors who can group up with bharti and give a new look to this retail business in India. " for FY2010-11 the loss for Reliance Fresh was close to 159 crore plus it closed down a number of stores. With this kind of reception, do you think there will be any potential investors who would like to experiment?

If 20% of organised Retail can give tremendous boost to Chain Economy in past 10 years then why Not to Indian Economy. Infact, Ministry of Commerce & Industries "committee" did their internal feasibility study for allowing FDI in retail and they're in favour of allowing FDI in Multi-Brand but still they hold their decision. Simply......Political Stunts...and Favour..!!

The single most important factor in favour of permitting Wal-Mart to enter India is the experience that they already have in this Industry. We learn, refine and excel that would be the way forward.

We do not lack resources, nor do we shy away in accepting the need for expertise, let make the best of the deal and flourish. The sooner we get into this, the higher the possibilities of Indian companies acquiring assets in this Industry overseas. Change is always difficult, competition is exhilarating, let us take this route and achieve. We have watched the world for far too long time to get up and go.

Yes,since single or multi brand is a big question.For instance Bhart-Walmart venture Best Price is not multi brand yet it would provide back end support to EASY DAY by Bharti.So its like twisting laws to suit oneself.Frankly its like giving the leverage to contractors & not give benefit to prospective employees/end customers.Here Bharti has gained & Wal Mart has secured its entry .

I agree with you. I believe that the more international company enter into India, the more we will be able to develop ourselves.  I mean to say our economical and social standard will develop, if we get the taste of foreign products. 

The advantage of economy of scale will benefit the consumer. 

This is something that we have not employed in our manufacturing of apparels China has. That is what has given that country a head start.  

Yes we are a nation of petty traders. However Mom & Pop establishment still exist in UK and small stores are also flourishing in US. 

The commies will see RED as is their want. Organized retail at a very large scale is not just desirable it is beneficial to the society. Just imagine the savings that the consumer will make by patronizing such outlets. The kind of investments that Wal Mart will bring to the country. This company will have to invest in real estate and that would give a fillip to the construction industry. The Transport industry would be employed at a scale unseen prior to this day. The cold storages, that would have to be built, which would again have to be state of the art. 

This could totally revolutionize our grain storing technology, vegetable and fruits which are seasonal at this point of time would be available year round. There would be lower wastages higher consumption and exports. The quantum of jobs, that this would create. We would have some very competent and outstanding Indians who would become world leaders of this Industry also.  

The shares of Wal Mart will surely be listed on the Indian stock exchanges and would provide an opportunity to many to earn their living.  

I could go on endlessly with what we stand to gain. All this is dependent on how the Government of India manages to negotiate the terms of Investment with Wal Mart.