ABOUT THE BOOK

"Owing to the phenomena of globalization, governments worldwide have initiated measures to improve their economies. In the wake of India's economic liberalization in 1991, the country's retail sector was poised for a dramatic transformation. The retail sector has been an important part of India's economy, contributing significantly to GDP and providing employment to millions, despite being mostly fragmented and unorganized. The allure of a vast, untapped retail market beckoned global retail giants, leading to a wave of foreign direct investment (FDI). India, as a signatory to the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) of the WTO, was compelled to open its retail sector to FDI—a decision that has sparked both praise and condemnation. Small unorganized retailers have strongly contested the influx of foreign retailers, arguing that it infringes upon their fundamental right to equality, right to life and right to engage in trade or business. The government contends that FDI will modernize the unorganized retail sector, offer consumers more variety, and reduce intermediaries. This book investigates the economic rationale for FDI in retail and the concerns raised by small retailers. It sheds light on the strong resistance mounted by numerous small unorganized retailers who are apprehensive of being marginalized by the might of international conglomerates. It poses the enduring question: Is it possible to embrace the expansion of FDI in retail in India, while ensuring that its pursuit of economic growth does not come at the expense of the socio-economic rights of its people?"

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr. Priti Ramani Nayyar is a legal professional with over 15 years of industry and research experience. She holds a Ph.D. from Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, Delhi, where she also received a Gold Medal for her LL.B. She completed her LL.M from the University of Delhi. Her career includes working as a Law Researcher with Hon'ble Justice Mukul Mudgal and with renowned law firms. She has provided legal consultancy to international credit insurers, start-ups, and CA firms. A prolific writer, she has presented 25+ research papers and published extensively on corporate law, FDI, dispute resolution, mediation, and human rights. She is also a certified mediator.