As per the latest lobbying disclosure report filed by global retail giant Walmart with the US Senate and the House of Representatives, the company continued to lobby with the US lawmakers over Indian foreign direct investment (FDI) rules in the retail sector during January-March 2013 period. During the first quarter of 2013, Walmart spent US$ 1.84 million for lobbying with various US Government agencies and departments on nearly 50 issues, according to the 17-page lobbying report filed by the company.
In addition to FDI in India’s multi-brand retail, the company lobbied on issues related to tax, data security, cyber security, e-commerce, manufacturing, domestic sourcing, compliance, sales practices, etc.
Currently, a one-man inquiry committee in India is investigating the lobbying disclosure reports of Walmart. It is also tasked with finding out whether Walmart participated in any activity in India that runs against the law of the land. In the US, lobbying is legally allowed. However, companies and their lobbyists have to submit a quarterly report on their lobbying activities to the Congress. During entire 2012, Walmart spent US$ 6.13 million on lobbying with Congressmen for various issues, including on discussions related to FDI in India, according to Congressional records of lobbying disclosure reports.
