Date:15/06/2007 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2007/06/15/stories/2007061500640800.htm

Back Too many cooks

On climate change, the committee formed by Prime Minister, with more than 12 members including ministers and bureaucrats, reminds one of Izak Walton's saying: "That which is everybody's business is nobody's business."

Such an unwieldy committee so many members raises doubts about regular attendance at meetings and whether each member will contribute something substantial.

The terms and condition are not known, nor has a time limit been set for the recommendations to be sent in.

It is not also clear if this is the same committee announced by the Finance Minister in his Budget speech.

An evasive attitude, rather than a result-oriented approach, is definitely visible.

Needless to say Mr R. K. Pachauri of TERI should have been the team leader of just four or five members for objectively arriving at conclusive decisions on the country's role in global warming or climate change.

China, more or lesson the same footing as India, has presented a well-documented 62-page report with a policy framework on this issue before the G-8 summit earlier this month.

C. R. Bhattacharjee

Kolkata

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