FDI decision will not hit small-time traders: Sheila Dikshit

Strongly supporting the Centre's decision to allow FDI in retail sector, Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit today said the entry of giants like Walmart will not affect small-time traders in the country.

Dikshit said the decision to allow 51 per cent Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) was taken by the Centre after "much deliberation."

"I don't know why there is so much opposition to the decision (to allow FDI in retail sector). It was taken after much deliberation. The decision will help everybody. Small-time traders will not be affected because of this," she told reporters here.

She was responding to questions on Opposition to the Centre's decision to allow FDI retail. The issue rocked Parliament today forcing adjournment of both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.

The chief minister said the entry of foreign retail brands will help the consumer as well as the country's economy.

"It is not that if Walmart comes, the business of small-time traders will be affected," she said.