PlanComm needs to transform itself: Nath

The Planning Commission and Road Transport and Highways Ministry have earlier differed on various issues. Nath had earlier described the panel as an 8220;armchair advisor8221;.

Ahluwalia had countered Nath8217;s view by pointing out,8221;You cannot run a government only with people who know how to build roads. You have to give them a set of rules8230;8221;

The two bodies have been fighting a running battle over the targets for construction of highways. While the Ministry is keen to build 20 km of highways every day,the Plan panel wants it to chase a reasonable target,in line with availability of funds.

8220;We will certainly achieve the 20 km-a-day road construction target,8221; reiterated Nath.

Echoing the sentiments expressed by Nath,the former chairman of the Securities and Exchange Board of India SEBI,M Damodaran,opined 8220;the Planning Commission must be wound up.8221;

Nath had unveiled his ministry8217;s ambitious plan of constructing 35,000 km of highways in five years soon after assuming charge as Transport Minister last year.

Releasing the book titled 8216;Super Power?: The Amazing Ways Between China8217;s Hare and India8217;s Tortoise8217;,Nath said,8221;We should not be too critical of ourselves.8221;

He said India has done a great job in improving rural infrastructure,adding that the next revolution should target rural areas.

He said the advantage of India will lie in its demography. 8220;China will grow old before it grows rich,8221; he said.

The minister also underlined the need for addressing issues that are hampering the growth of infrastructure facilities in urban areas.

8220;In our urban infrastructure whether these are ports,airports or roads8230; When I struggle to achieve our targets,I see huge issues. There are issues of land,8221; he added.