Govt not evaluated direct impact of Walmart-Flipkart deal on small traders

The government has not made any assessment of the direct impact on small traders of the US retail giant Walmart's stake purchase in Flipkart, Parliament was informed on Monday.

In its biggest takeover till date, Walmart Inc recently announced their acquisition of 77 per cent stake in Bengaluru-based e-commerce major Flipkart in a deal valued at $20.8 billion.

Minister of State for Commerce C R Chaudhary told the Lok Sabha, in a written reply, that foreign direct investment (FDI) in retail has been allowed in a calibrated manner after intensive consultations with stakeholders including concerned ministries, state governments, industry chambers, associations and other organizations.

"Suggestions and views received from various stakeholders and public on various aspects of FDI regime are examined before taking appropriate action," he said.
 

The Minister also said that there is no proposal to set up a special group to keep tabs on any violation of the government's foreign investment policy by online retail platforms such as Amazon, Flipkart and Myntra.

"However, any violation of FDI policy regulations is covered by the penal provision of the FEMA (Foreign Exchange Management Act), 1999," he said.

The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) has been opposing the Walmart-Flipkart deal, describing it as a clear attempt by American multinational to control and dominate retail trade in India in the long run through e-commerce.
 

The government is working on a draft national policy on e-commerce which is to be released soon for seeking public comments.

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