Human Resources Development Minister Kapil Sibal discusses some of the problems of management education with Sebastian P.T. Edited excerpts

There is something about P Chidambaram's economics that the stock market loves, often disregarding the politics around him. But have the 10 weeks since Chidambaram's return to the North Block undone the damage done to the economy over the previous three years?

The deadlock in Parliament over the government's decision to allow FDI in the retail ended after an all-party meeting passed a resolution to suspend the move till consensus is reached.

West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee announced that the Government has put on hold its controversial decision to allow FDI in retail in a bid to end the stalemate in Parliament.

With Parliament going into a four-day recess, the two Houses will now meet on December 7. The current session is slated to conclude on December 22.

The stalemate in Parliament over FDI in retail and other issues continue to rock the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha for the eighth consecutive day.

\"We welcome India's decision. We think economic reforms, such as these, will further strengthen business-to-business ties between our two countries,\" State Department spokesman Mark Toner said.

CII said in a report that the share of the organised sector in India's retail industry was \"abysmal\" when compared to other developing countries like China, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia.

Experts and analysts believe that it is a blessing in disguise for Indian retail firms, such as Spencer's, Foodworld Supermarkets Ltd, Nilgiri's and ShopRite. Such retail firms can opt for joint ventures with global majors and can explore funding options to expand their footprint.

Parliament remained stalled for the seventh consecutive day on Wednesday as Opposition and a section of ruling alliance members created uproar on FDI in retail and various issues.

Although PM Manmohan Singh made a stout defence of FDI in retail at a Youth Congress rally, the government seemed to be veering towards conceding the demand for a discussion or even an adjournment motion on the issue. To keep the UPA flock together in the event of an adjournment motion, efforts were initiated to woo the three recalcitrant allies - Trinamool Congress, DMK and the Indian Union Muslim League.

The finance ministry is likely to have a relook at the Insurance Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2008, which has suggested hiking the FDI limit in insurance from 26 per cent to 49 per cent.

Parliament could function barely for a few hours during the 23 sittings which began on November 9, as the united Opposition forced adjournments everyday.

Failing to meet the deadline of winter session, Corporate Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid said the bill would now come in the budget session next year in February.

Parliament's Winter Session: The Agenda