New Delhi: Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit on Monday came down hard on those opposing FDI in multibrand retail, a day after Congress` massive rally reaffirmed the party`s strong resolve to stand its ground on economic reform initiatives.
"Certain elements are creating confusions by misleading people on proposed FDI in retail trade in the country. It is time to dispel all fears on the issue," she said here addressing a seminar on FDI in retail.
Dikshit said the Delhi government was keen to take the lead in attracting FDI in multibrand retail as it has already started the process to ease certain norms for allowing direct purchase of produce from farmers by retailers.
"It seems false propaganda is being carried out for political gains. The manner of opposition sometimes looks funny," she said at the seminar organised by Shaheed Bhagat Singh College.
The Chief Minister said allowing FDI in retail would "enrich" India`s economy as mere announcement of the decision has helped the rupee to rebound to some extent.
"We are growing at the higher rate than European Union and the US," she said, highlighting resilience of the economy.
To implement FDI in retail, the Delhi government has already announced making amendments to the Agricultural Produce Marketing Committee (APMC) Act to allow direct connectivity between retailers and farmers.
"The government is in process of making an amendment in APMC Act. We are keen to implement FDI in retail as early as possible as it is going to benefit the youth, farmers, traders and consumers," she said.
Referring to objection by retail traders, she said not a single trader has come to her objecting to the decision.
"Apart from creating huge employment opportunity, FDI would go a long way in addition of modern infrastructure including storage facility," she said, adding, "The country is looking forward to an era of convenience and better consumer protection ethics."
PTI
