Patna: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar
on Wednesday said his government will not allow FDI in retail sector
in the state and urged the UPA government to withdraw its
decision in "larger public interest".
"The state government will not implement 51 per cent FDI
in retail sector in Bihar as the step is not beneficial to
anybody," he told reporters at the airport after returning
from two-day seva yatra to Arwal district.
"The states are not bound to implement the FDI in retail
sector and I have been maintaining the stand from the first
day since the UPA government decided to allow FDI in retail
sector," Kumar said.
"As my government has not allowed corporate houses to set
up Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Bihar, it will also not
allow FDI in retail sector in the state as a matter of
principle", the Chief Minister said.
Questioning the Centre's wisdom in going ahead with its
decision to allow FDI in retail sector, Kumar said the Centre
should withdraw its decision in "larger public interest and
in respect to the steadfast opposition to it by the people"
and some ministers in the central government itself.
He rejected the Centre's contention that FDI in retail
sector will generate employment opportunities.
Kumar reminded the Congress-led UPA government of its
lack of majority on the issue of FDI in retail sector and said
even two allies of the ruling coalition at the Centre
were opposed to the decision on FDI.
Congress does not enjoy majority on FDI issue yet it has
decided to stuck to its decision as if it enjoys three-forth
majority in the party when the reality is that it has just
over 200 members, Kumar said.
The Centre should also take note of the prevailing
public mood against FDI in retail sector with social
organizations, political parties and trade unions opposing the
decision tooth and nail and review the move, Kumar said.
On the demand for carving out smaller districts for
expeditious development, he said his government was not
opposed to creation of smaller districts and people should
give representation to a committee of ministers set up for the
purpose of reorganization of block, subdivision and districts.
PTI
First Published: Wednesday, November 30, 2011, 21:29