Govt mulls fixed tenure for infrastructure project heads

To ensure that project completion does not get delayed due to frequent changes in managers of the public sector units, the approach paper to the 12th Five-Year Plan could advocate fixed tenures for such managers with due accountability.

The issue, which was part of the discussions held during the full Planning Commission meeting chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh last month, has found acceptance from a wide section of ministers and government departments.

Officials said, Home Minister P Chidambaram also seemed to be in agreement with the proposed, mooted by Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad.

The home minister suggested that officials serving in energy and infrastructure ministries should be provided security of tenure which should be matched by enhanced accountability in fields where delivery is important.

The Planning Commission is currently preparing the approach paper to the 12th Five- Year Plan, which will begin from the next financial year.