The government has taken steps to evolve a broader consensus among various stakeholders on the issue of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in multi-brand retail trading. This information was given in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today by the Commerce and Industry Minister Mr Anand Sharma. He said that consultations have been held with the stakeholders including the associations of the small and medium industry, food processing industry, farmers and consumers. Mr Sharma said the matter has also been taken up with several state governments.

He said eight states including Delhi and union territories of Daman and Diu, Dadra and Nagar Haveli have expressed support for the policy.The Minister said the Jammu and Kashmir government has also endorsed the policy calling for its implementation.

In another written reply, the Minister said the government has permitted FDI up to 100 per cent in single-brand product retail trading under its approval route subject to specified conditions.