Small-industry body supports Reliance Fresh

The biggest industry chamber of Uttar Pradesh, Indian Industry Association (IIA), has come out in full support of Reliance Fresh outlets and has urged the state government to withdraw ban on the same.

The association in its state-level executive committee meeting held at Lucknow today expressed concerns over the government's decision to impose ban on Reliance Fresh.

"Such decisions will have adverse effect on the overall economic and social environment in the state," said Anil Gupta, senior vice-president, IIA.

Now investors may be hesitant to invest in Uttar Pradesh due to the uncertainty and employment opportunities would dry out, he said.

"Farmers also may have got better returns for their produce, had they been able to sell their products directly to Reliance Fresh instead through the intermediaries," he added.

The committee urged the government to ensure that the policies are framed in consultation with all the stake holders and once announced, the policies stay for reasonable time; while care must also be taken in its implementation.

"Though many policies are announced by various governments yet there existence is either restricted on paper alone or are changed frequently," Gupta said.

The IIA expressed hope that the committee constituted under the chairmanship of the cabinet secretary Sashank Shekhar to investigate the attacks on the Reliance Fresh outlets and to study all aspects of the organised retail chains, will submit its report at the earliest and that government will encourage such investments.

The association said that our country or any of the state has to adopt new technologies and concepts of business to keep pace with the world community.