States are free to implement or shun the Centre's decision on foreign direct investment (FDI) in multi-brand retail, Union Commerce Minister Anand Sharma reiterate on Sunday.

Mr. Sharma said the Centre would respect any state's decision not to implement foreign investment in multi-brand retail sector.

Speaking to journalists at three-day world crafts summit `Kaivalam', organised by the World Crafts Council, Mr. Sharma said, "India is a Union of States therefore the implementation of the decision has been left entirely with the States. Those States that do not want to implement it, it is their decision and we respect it."

He added that the Centre had notified only those ten states about the FDI in multi-brand retail that had asked for it in writing.

He claimed that the Centre approved FDI in multi-brand retail after due consultations with farmers, consumers and other stakeholders. He also claimed that most farmers' unions, consumers' unions and trade confederations had agreed to the move.

Mr. Sharma also announced that the government would soon establish a national academy for handicrafts to cherish artisans' talents. The academy will be on the lines of National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) and National Institute for Design (NID).

The Commerce Minister also urged banks to ensure easy credit to artisans, craftsmen and weavers, in the same way as loans were given out to big industries.