Cong sticks to middle path on National Investment Board

"If any step is taken to do away with obstructions in bringing development, it is welcome. But issues related to environment also needs to be kept in mind. Whatever concerns that are there, should be taken into account," Congress spokesperson Sandip Dikshit told reporters here.

He, however, refused to answer specifically whether the party was for the formation of NIB or against it.

Dikshit said whatever decision the government takes, it should facilitate fast action on development proposals and relevant concerns should also be addressed so as to ensure sustainable development.

A decision on NIB has been deferred due to differences over the issue within the government.

Environment Minister Jayanthi Natarajan and Rural Development Minister Jairam Ramesh have written letters to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh seeking stringent safeguards in place before setting up NIB.

The proposed investment board will have overreaching powers to the extent of even overruling the regulatory mechanism of green clearances.