HISTORY OF FDI IN INDIA.

sunandaC

New member
HISTORY OF FDI IN INDIA.

At the time of independence, the attitude towards foreign capital was one of fear and suspicion. This was natural on account of the previous exploitative role played by it in ‘draining away’ resources from this country.

The suspicion and hostility found expression in the Industrial Policy of 1948 which, though recognizing the role of private foreign investment in the country, emphasized that its regulation was necessary in the national interest. Because of this attitude expressed in the 1948 resolution, foreign capitalists got dissatisfied and as a result, the flow of imports of ca[ital goods got obstructed. As a result, the prime minister had to give following assurances to the foreign capitalists in 1949:

1. No discrimination between foreign and Indian capital. The government o India will not differentiate between the foreign and Indian capital. The implication was that the government would not place any restrictions or impose any conditions on foreign enterprise which were not applicable to similar Indian enterprises.

2. Full opportunities to earn profits. The foreign interests operating in India would be permitted to earn profits without subjecting them to undue controls. Only such restrictions would be imposed which also apply to the Indian enterprises.

3. Gurantee of compensation. If and when foreign enterprises are compulsorily acquired, compensation will be paid on a fair and equitable basis as already announced in government’s statement of policy.

Though the Prime Minister stated that the major interest in ownership and effective control of an undertaking should be in Indian hands, he gave assurance that there would be “no hard and fast rule in this matter.”

By a declaration issued on June 2, 1950, the government assured the foreign capitalists that they can remit the he foreign investments made by them in the country after January 1, 1950. in addition, they were also allowed to remit whatever investment of profit and taken place.

Despite the above assurances, foreign capital in the requisite quantity did now flow into India during the period of the First plan. The atmosphere of suspicion had not changed substantially. However, the policy statement of the Prime Minister issued in 1949 and continued practically unchanged in the 1956 Industrial Policy Resolution, had opened up immense fields to foreign participation. In addition, the trends towards liberalization grew slowly and gradually more strong and the role of foreign investment grew more and more important.


The government relaxed its policy concerning majority ownership in several cases and granted several tax concessions for foreign personnel. Substantial liberalization was announced in the New Industrial Policy declared by the government on 24th July 1991 and doors of several industries have been opened up for foreign investment.


Prior to this policy, foreign capital was generally permitted only in the those industries where Indian capital was scarce and was not normally permitted in those industries which had received government protection or which are of basic and/or strategic importance to the country. The declared policy of the government was to discourage foreign capital in certain inessential‘ consumer goods and service industries.


However, this provision was frequently violated as a number of foreign collaborations even in respect of cosmetics, toothpaste, lipstick etc. were allowed by the government. It was also stated that foreign capital should help in promoting experts or substituting imports.


The government also laid down that in al those industries where foreign capital investment is allowed, the major interest in ownership and effective control should always be in Indian hands (this condition was also often relaxed).


The foreign capital investments and technical collaborations were required to be so regulated as to fit into the overall framework of the plans. In those industries where foreign technicians and managers were allowed to operate as Indians with requisite skills and experience were not available, vital importance was to be accorded to the training and employment of Indians in the quickest possible manner.
 
FDI has been in india but have been reprimanded. but, here are some advantages which will clear the picture about FDI and why it is effective in India..

Advantages of foreign direct investment

1)It can enhance the economic development of the country
2)It will create jobs and increase employment
3)It will enable resource transfer
4)Increase the productivity
 
Top