EDITORIAL : THE TIMES OF INDIA, INDIA

TIMES VIEW

Debate, don't squabble

Recently revealed documents indicate that the business of governance, which depends on those in government putting their heads together, is being undermined by squabbling. The differences between environment minister Jairam Ramesh and several ministers whose concerns are voiced by home minister P Chidambaram, aren't being resolved through thought out and reasoned debate. Rather, what is happening is quite the opposite and is illustrated by Chidambaram's scathing attack on Ramesh. Speaking analogically, Chidambaram asked Ramesh, would he stop all car production because cars pollute?

Obviously car production, like mining, cannot be stopped and engaging in such exchanges is not what ministers should be doing. For one, it detracts from the seriousness of their jobs. For another, it is the duty of the government to function rather than get bogged down in internal squabbles. And that requires navigating a path through what are often completely opposing points of view. Ramesh and Chidambaram are a case in point as they have differing points of view on what the criteria for granting mining permits should be. Yet, Ramesh's environmental concerns are legitimate, as are Chidambaram's about growth. Both ministers should present their differing, and compelling, concerns and resolve them through debate. It is their responsibility to ultimately resolve their differences on the basis of detailed studies about what the costs and benefits of various policies will be. After all, they have bureaucracies to assist them in doing this.

All of these various inputs, processes and debates require privacy. Ministers are however squandering the privacy reserved for decision-making without distraction by engaging in public squabbles. Instead, they should focus on resolving complex issues. The positions of the various ministers and their concerns are well known. It is now up to UPA-II to demonstrate that it can rise above them and govern.