Delay in reforms is inevitable in coalition government: Pranab

MANILA: Sharing concern over the slow pace of key reforms in India, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee said today that delays are inevitable in a coalition-run government as it has to take on board views of different ruling partners and the process is time-consuming.

However, to boost business sentiment, the government has taken major initiatives like the new investor-friendly manufacturing policy, liberalisation of inflows in the capital market and easing of the rules for the companies to raise funds overseas, he said.

Significantly, Mukherjee said, "Discussions are also underway about decontrolling some of the administered fuel prices".

Addressing a press conference after taking over as Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Asian Development Bank, he shared concerns with a section of the industry and investors over delays in decision-making.

Several key reforms like liberalisation of the voting rights in banks, hiking foreign direct investment (FDI) in insurance and allowing it in the multi-brand retail have been pending for long.

Some of the allies of the ruling UPA coalition have been opposing FDI in retail and other reforms.

"Yes, there has been some delay in some of the crucial legislations, but when you run a multi-party coalition government and when the electorate gives a fractured mandate which limits the powers of the executive...with the mandate that you have to carry others with you...your own views or your own ideas are not adequate unless you carry others with you," Mukherjee said.