Monitoring Wal-Mart lobbying issue: Govt

The government is monitoring developments with regard to lobbying activities by Wal-Mart and it will initiate a fresh probe if it finds any violation in India by the global retail giant, the government said in an action taken report (ATR).

 The report, which has been tabled in Rajya Sabha along with the 438-page inquiry report, also said that Enforcement Directorate is conducting investigations into the issue of FDI through automatic route by Wal-Mart in Cedar Support Services, "involving alleged violation of Foreign Exchange Management Act 1999 and other applicable laws and guidelines".

Not satisfied with replies provided by the US-based retail giant on various issues, including on the exact amount spent on its India-specific lobbying activities, the panel concluded that "the matter would need to further investigated" in the event of disclosure of further details in the US.

 Going by the suggestions made by the probe panel, the government said in its ATR that the "Ministry of External Affairs through Embassy of India in Washington is continuously monitoring developments" in these matters.

Wal-Mart had partnered with Bharti for operations in the Indian retail sector, but parted ways in October.