Ramesh slams India Inc's dependence on government for innovation in green technology

NEW DELHI: Environment minister Jairam Ramesh made it clear that private corporate sector should not look up to the government for innovations in technology to transit towards green economy. Addressing Indian business leaders at the CII Conference on 'Building a Green Economy' on Friday, Ramesh said that the role of the government was to design fiscal policy and set standards.

"Rely on your capabilities to trigger a change. The more freedom from government procedures, the better-off you'll be," the minister said.

Ramesh was of the view that the corporate sector's dependence on the government was detrimental to India emerging as a green technology leader. "Years ago, we were the leaders in the solar power sector, but we seem to have lost in the race. We have enough talent and entrepreneurship that can help us achieve the status of global leaders in green technology just like we did in the IT sector," Ramesh said.

As countries like Japan, South Korea, China and Germany position themselves as green technology leaders, Ramesh urged the business community to step up to the challenge. "India must not be the perennial technology buyer," he said, "it is high time that India should realise its potential in the renewable energy sector. We have lagged behind. It's time to look at global leadership now apart from the domestic sector."

"South Korea, Japan, Germany are already aiming to be leaders in green economy. We need to change our approach. There is no shortage of private enterprises in India which can be world leaders in terms of green technology," he added. The minister described "green economy" as one which protects the value of eco-systems while meeting economic needs. Ramesh said green economy was important for India as sustainable growth would help us surmount many challenges.