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Journalism of Courage
Walmart may face a fresh probe into its lobbying activities for entering India,after issues raised by a one-man inquiry committee,set up by the government earlier this year to look into this matter,were stonewalled by the global retailer.
The inquiry conducted by the panel remained inconclusive as it was not satisfied with the replies provided by the US-based retail giant on various issues,including on the exact amount spent on its India-specific lobbying activities,sources said.
Pursuant to the suggestions made by the committee,which also observed that it lacked necessary investigative or summoning powers to conclude that Walmart indulged in lobbying and bribery for India operations,the government is considering initiating further investigations into the matter,they added.
Separately,Walmart is already facing a probe by the Enforcement Directorate here for alleged violation of FEMA Foreign Exchange Management Act norms.
Walmart,on its part,has maintained that it has disclosed all its lobbying activities as per the US rules and it did not violate any Indian regulations in this regard.
The committee,headed by former Chief Justice of Punjab and Haryana High Court Mukul Mudgal,was set up in January after the government announced in Parliament that it would get investigated the issue of Walmart having lobbied hard before the US lawmakers for access to lucrative Indian retail market.
