The following article written by Modoko J Pfoze, a Manipuri Student activist studying at St. Josephs, Bangalore and also a close supporter of New Socialist Alternative (CWI -India). This article appeared in Jan-Feb 2012 edition of Dudiyora Horaata (Workers’ Struggle) and is based on the recent controversial decision of the Indian government to increase the FDI in retail, which has currently been put on hold.
With the majority of the population reeling under double digit inflation (read price rise), this was only rubbing salt on the wounds. This througly unpopular and insensitive decision on the parts of the government has already exposed the faultlines within the government and its increased alienation from the actual needs of the people.
The New Socialist Alternative calls for a complete revocation of not merely the present controversial FDI bill but also a complete ban on FDI in retail.
Editors
socialism.in
India touted as a “developing” country with a contrasting pictures of extreme poverty on one side and the filty rich on the other. While India has obviously grown faster compared to many other developing countries, with investors obviously attracted by the size of its huge market but still it is only a fraction of the population that is enjoying the benefits of the so called ‘development’ taking place in India today. But all this has not prevented the ruling elite from branding itself as an emerging superpower.
But what about the majority? How can we say that India is superpower when the majoity of the population is living on Rs. 20 a day? How can the ruling classes overlook the conditions of the underpaid workers, the unemployed and say that India is a fast developing nation? How can India call itself a democracy when its rulers only pay pittance to the ideals enshrined in the constitution?
With the recent controversy over allowing 100% FDI in single brand retail and 51% in multi brand, the Indian ruling elite wants to bring the likes of Wal-Mart, that is known for ruining the lives of millions of people around the world, into India. With the reputation of a ‘devil’, these retail gaints are only interested in earning benefits for themselves and their cronies.
Those affected included the peasants, the small retailers and workers in the retail trade. These retail giants kill everthing, there are anti-retailers, anti-environment, anti-peasant and above all anti-people. How can this government run by the supposedly ‘honest’ PM Manmohan Singh allow this to happen?
Wal-Mart is known for its notoriety and among the worst exploiters in the world. It is time for the younger generations to wake up to the evil designs of the government and not allow the likes of Wal-Mart, TESCO, Carrefour etc to invade the lucrative Indian retail sector. We need to fight against the false propaganda of the estabilishment that FDI in retail will bring in jobs. More people are going to loose their livilihood compared to the rich elite and the multinational corporations who will be the ultimate beneficiaries.
In India, we already have companies like Reliance, Big Bazar and others who are already trying to emulate Wal-Mart. Have these companies made any positive impact on the people’s lives? The answer is obviously a no! They have only made the lives of ordinary people even more miserble with increased price rises, loss of livilihood to small retailers and increased marginalization of the peasantry who are as debt ridden as before.
If India is a democractic country, then what sort of a democracy is this? It is time we question every answer.
Down with FDI in retail!
Down with the Governments which is allowing FDI in Retail!
Let the Retail & Wholesale trade remain with the small and medium traders.
Increase Food Subsidy- Bring back comprehensive Public Distribution System (Ration Shops)
Union rights to all workers in the small and Medium shops and establishments – a living wage to all
Modoko J Pfoze
Bangalore