This minister wants less power

It’s not often that a minister in India willingly gives up some of his powers. Minister for Environment and Forests Jairam Ramesh rather enthusiastically hopes to do just that.

Last fortnight, he announced that he would like to substantially reduce government control over issue of clearances for setting up industries and transfer these powers to a new independent regulator — the National Environment Protection Authority, while simultaneously throwing open to debate the various alternative ways of doing so.

The minister’s bold decision is sure to create ripples in the bureaucratic and political circles and be a welcome change for the corporate sector. Jairam’s idea might also end up contributing to cleaning up the environment.

PROPOSED TRIFURCATION

Ministry of Environment & Forests
Core Functions

• Legislation & Policy
• Parliamentary Matters
• Implementation of Central Schemes
• Centre-State Issues
• International Cooperation and Negotiations
• Education
• Centres of Excellence

National Environment Protection Authority
Compliance & Enforcement

• Monitoring of Environment Clearances (currently with MoEF)
• Monitoring of Pollution Standards (currently with CPCB)

National Green Tribunal
Specialised Tribunal for Adjudication