Avoid disruptive sensationalism, says the Minister

Minister of Railways and Coal, Piyush Goyal has called for a positive and constructive approach for the economically-powered ‘New India’.

“A positive and constructive approach based on outcomes, wherein our collective energy is channelized towards doing good for the country, is imperative while envisioning a narrative of a New India where growth and prosperity would be assured for one and all,” said Goyal.

At the same time, disruptive sensationalism, which leads to a deviation from the path, should be avoided, he said at the ‘India Economic Summit’ organized by the World Economic Forum and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) at New Delhi on 6 October 2017.

While emphasizing on citizen partnership for building a New India, Goyal underpinned the need of a whistleblower for reporting the distortions in the system which would help create a level playing field for all stakeholders.

He said that changing the L1 system of tendering has its advantages and is not easy to do away with. To prevent frivolous participation in bids, there is need for putting in place strict technical specifications and then open the tender for financial bidding.

The Minister did not agree with reports that domain expertise was essential to excel in a field and agreed that more women should be appointed as independent directors on the Board of Companies.

Further, he underscored the importance of public private partnership in undertaking social programmes like building toilets.

Ajay S Banga, President and Chief Executive Officer, Mastercard, USA; International Business Council called for a change in L1 mindset within the government.

On jobs, he said that tourism has the potential to create one million additional jobs in the next 1-2 years.

“For this, we need to selectively identify 10-15 destinations and work on them in terms of creating the necessary infrastructure, ensure safety, effect mindset change etc. The success story could then be replicated in other areas,” said Banga.

Banga called upon both the public and private sector to come together and leverage their strengths to create a New India. fii-news.com