Thousands of retailers, hawkers and wholesalers across Maharashtra gathered at Azad Maidan here on Wednesday to protest the Centre’s decision to allow FDI in the retail sector. It was also announced that the state will participate in a nationwide bandh on January 10 along with other protests starting from first week of December, which will see small traders and retailers protesting outside big ‘malls’.
“Entry of big companies into retail would render small workers like me jobless,” said Anant Washivali, a porter at the APMC market in Vashi.
Since the agriculture produce bought from the farmers is first auctioned at the APMC, wholesalers here have already felt the pinch. “The sale has already started declining as the big corporate houses purchase goods directly from farmers. Most of the trucks reach directly at the shop location instead of passing through APMC market,” said Dhondiba Yewale, a wholeseller at the APMC.
The protest in the city was followed by protests in Kerala, Jharkhand and UP against the entry of retail giants into the market which is believed to be worth $350 billion and expected to double by 2015.
A delegation of Wyapar Rozgar Suraksha Kruti Samiti, which organised the rally, also met Deputy CM R R Patil on Wednesday and submitted a memorandum of demands. Samiti Convenor Mohan Gurnani said: “He has promised that a meeting will be organised in a week’s time after which decision will be taken regarding our demands.”