New government's plans show progressive mindset: Ficci

NEW DELHI: The new government's plans to restructure ministries and have strong Centre-state relations with focus on long term development show its "progressive mindset" that will ensure speedy clearances, Ficci said today.

"Ficci is happy to note the moves towards implementation of 'minimum government maximum governance'. Plans to restructure ministries, greater Centre-State ties and evolving long term development plans, clearly show the progressive mindset of the new leadership," President of the industry body Sidharth Birla said in a statement.

It said a Ficci council had earlier suggested convergence of related ministries especially in sectors like energy and infrastructure for better co-ordination and governance.

"This would ensure speedy clearances and productive decision making. A more responsive public administration with defined accountability will help restore credibility of institutions. We complement the new government on adopting true management excellence and seeking internal opinions and feedback on governance," Birla said.

Ficci also said the new leadership is expected to recognise the industry concerns on land, labour and environment.

Besides, break up of Coal India has been a long standing demand in the interest of energy security. "We hope that the new leadership will consider this reform at the earliest," Birla said.

That apart, Chairman of Ficci Economic and Public Policy Council Y K Modi said: "We have suggested strengthening of Centre-state linkages for meaningful decentralisation for development. States must be incentivised to pace up the implementation of key reforms, such as Agriculture Produce Marketing Committee Act and Goods and Services Tax."