FDI a contentious issue 

Foreign Direct Investment in different sectors has been a contentious issue before the powers that be during the regimes of almost all governments at the centre. Economic experts and financial wizards were divided on this issue. There were some who in view of the globalisation and liberalization favoured foreign direct investment(FDI) in all sectors. There were some others who differed but yet a small group within themselves advocated in favour of FDI leaving aside the core sectors like railways, defence, heavy and basic industry and such other sensitive core sectors where confidentiality and secrecy has got to be maintained in the interest and for the security of the Nation. The reasons for such reservation are many.

Most important of all of them is the possible dominance of the investing organizations , be they foreign governments or companies of MNC brand or others, with ulterior motives of grabbing the Indian market and govern the country financially. This was precisely what was done by the East India Company and other colonial rulers before independence and therefore today the country's leadership is scared of any such wrong initiative. An influential group of media persons were also in favour of FDI in media but good senses prevailed over them and they seem to be gradually withdrawing from their avowed line of thinking.

A few among the younger generation are still in favour of FDI in media for according to them there will be a very attractive package of remuneration.But this younger generation should be taught that remuneration is alone is not the end.A day may come when such younger generation may be compelled to be servile to such Foreign Direct Investors and may even be shifted outside the country or asked to leave the job. FDI and attractive packages will always be used as baits and traps. One should therefore be careful before inviting FDI in any sector.

Krishna Chander Mouli, Bhopal