More experts to be involved in governance says PM

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today said he would like to involve more intellectuals and experts in the processes of governance but made it clear this would be done at a pace that will not create any "side effects".      

"There is enormous reserve of knowledge, wisdom and experience available outside the political system. It has to be harnessed in the service of the Indian people," he told reporters on his way back from Italy.       

He was asked whether more experts can be expected after the recent appointment of Infosys Technologies co-chairman Nandan Nilekani as chairman of an authority to steer the ambitious scheme for creating a multi-purpose unique identification database of citizens.      

"I would like to involve more and more intellectuals in the processes of governance of our country. It is a process, and we have made a beginning and it is my hope that in due course of time, we can enlarge this process," he shared.       

The Prime Minister said it would be his effort to do so "at a pace at which it does not create any side effects".       

Singh added that 54-year-old Nilekani's appointment has been widely welcomed. "I sincerely hope that in due course of time, we can enlarge the involvement of top intellectual elements in processes of governance".