FDI in retail distinct and different: Anand Sharma

"The FDI policy is distinct and different and has the Indian signature," Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma told reporters here.

The interest and sensitivities of small retailers have been taken into consideration and "they are part of the policy embrace", he said when asked whether the government would take steps to allay fears over the measure, which has drawn sharp reactions from the political parties and retailers.

Sharma said the political parties would "certainly realise" the benefits of the government`s bold move, and added that such opposition was common.

He recalled that previous Congress governments in the 80s and 90s, led by the late Rajiv Gandhi and late P V Narasimha Rao had gone ahead with reforms in IT and communication and economy, only to reap benefits now.

The minister said the government has not rushed the FDI policy and it took one year and 10 days before it reached a committee of secretaries, after intense consultations with states, retailers, industries and farm associations and other stake-holders.

The government came under a sharp attack inside and outside Parliament over its decision to open the multi-brand retail to foreign investment. The criticism came not only from the Opposition but also from Trinamool Congress, a key UPA ally at the Centre.