India Economic Summit: Body for environment, infrastructure projects mooted

The creation of an independent think tank or non-partisan policy unit could help states prepare environmental policy and to simplify procedures for the approval of infrastructure projects, chief ministers of three states attending the India Economic Summit of the World Economic Forum in Mumbai have suggested.

Infrastructure development and environmental polices have proven to be difficult areas for states and the central government to find a balance of power and a good understanding between states and the central government will help ease policy concerns and development priorities, according to the chief ministers.

The states and the central government have to work together to get things done and keep the country on a stable and sustainable growth path, the three chief ministers said, adding that the setting up of an independent panel to advise on matters regarding environment and infrastructure development would help ease policy constraints

''I don't think there is any difference,'' said Prithviraj Chavan, chief minister of Maharashtra, who is heading a Congress-led alliance government in the state. He said, the state governments have no problem communicating their concerns and needs to the central government – even if a different party in power in Delhi. ''By and large, all states are treated equally,'' he said.

''An understanding between the centre and the states is a must. That will only strengthen the confidence of the people,'' said Oommen Chandy, chief minister of Kerala.

Yet, the chief minister of Madhya Pradesh, Shivaraj Singh Chauhan, said there are friction points. Environmental policies and infrastructure project approvals have proven to be difficult areas for states and the central government to find a balance of power, he said.