This is with reference to the report, "FDI in retail sector may take more time" (Business Line, November 5).

It is amusing to find that the case for FDI in retail is being fought on the behest of a mythical middle-class — a class with swollen purses waiting to indulge itself at the malls.

By all means, justify FDI in retail but not on the ground of increasing employment or satisfying the needs of the middle-class. That would be unfair, unethical and simple dishonest.

The report also mentions the concerns of Ministers over job losses. I do hope this concern is real.

As for application of technology and logistics improvement, enough has been said about the extravagant use of the scarce energy to fly goods. Transporting food long distances is energy inefficient.

Sometimes symbols of progress and growth serve the sophisticated modern customer but deprive large sections of people of their livelihood.

S. Subramanyan

e-mail

Letters to the editor and contributions can be sent by e-mail to: bleditor@thehindu.co.in

© Copyright 2000 - 2009 The Hindu Business Line