New Delhi, Jan 13
The Arvind Kejriwal-led Delhi government Monday said it will not allow foreign direct investment (FDI) in multi-brand retail, reversing the previous Sheila Dikshit regime's policy.
In a letter to the department of industrial policy and promotion (DIPP), the Delhi government asked the central government to remove Delhi from the list of the states that have allowed FDI in multi-brand retail.
"I am directed to inform you that government of NCT of Delhi has reviewed its earlier decision and it has been decided not to support Foreign Direct Investment policy in multi-brand retail trade," said the letter signed by Industries Commissioner Amit Yadav.
Kejriwal told reporters here, "We do agree that if there is FDI in retail, it improves the consumer's choice... But experience world over shows that it leads to loss of jobs to a very, very large extent."
"Right now, the kind of situation that we see in Delhi, there is huge unemployment and the Aam Aadmi Party does not wish to increase this unemployment," he added.
Kejriwal, however, said he was not against FDI per se, saying this should be decided on a sector to sector basis.
By:IANS