Letters: Acting on reforms

This refers to the report "FM assures US investors of more reforms" (April 18). It's difficult to guess when will the reforms, which the finance minister keeps talking about globally, see the light of the day. First, Anand Sharma, during Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard's visit, assured of a single-window clearance mechanism for all Australian companies' projects in India. Then, Manish Tewari said action has been taken on single-window clearances. Next, Ajay Maken assured of the same. Lastly, at the Confederation of Indian Industry's annual general meeting, Sharma again stated that everybody liked the colour red, but no one liked red-tapism. The mining industry in India is keen to import mining equipment and technology from Australian companies, and this requires the Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS') approval. However, DGMS is not willing to accept the Australian and international standard/lab reports, though India is a signatory to the UN Convention Agreement to accept international standards, such as IECex. India needs this equipment to increase coal production and reduce dependence on imported fuel. Will the finance minister provide more clarity on the DGMS regulatory clearance, and show foreign investors the single-window and the reforms?

Amar Bhasin, Vice-President

Hindustan Global Resources
Sydney, Australia

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