"Any relaxation which they demand, if it affects my people and industry, I won't accept...," Ravi said after taking additional charge of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Ministry.
Ravi, who is also the Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs, said the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) cannot allow any relaxation to IKEA, which has a bearing on the MSME sector without consulting his ministry. "They cannot do it without my consent also," he said.
He said the foreign direct investment (FDI) is welcome but not at the cost of artisans in the small and tiny sectors.
"Honestly, the Indian people know how to make furniture. They (IKEA) will not make much of a change. They will make the same...FDI is welcome to India, but it does not mean you will eat away the ordinary who people make it- carpenters and others".
IKEA has submitted an application with the DIPP for setting up fully-owned entity in India with investment of Rs 10,500 crore. However, it has sought relaxation in the condition which stipulates that the foreign firm has to source 30 per cent of the merchandise from the Indian micro and small units.
The DIPP under the Commerce and Industry Ministry has indicated to accommodate the IKEA demand.
Ravi said, "The government has issued orders they (IKEA) have to obey them. They (IKEA) will be unhappy because our people will become rich".
He also said he would not succumb under pressure of any global giant.
