LS nod to Bill seeking expansion of NHAI

The National Highways Authority of India (Amendment) Bill, 2011, was taken up for consideration and passed amid din as Parliament remained deadlocked for the ninth day as opposition persisted with demands for resignation of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

At present the NHAI consists of a chairman, up to five full-time members and up to four part-time members.

The Bill seeks to expands the Authority and it will now consist of a chairman, up to six full-time members and six part-time members.

It mandates that at least two of the part-time members must be non-government professionals with knowledge or experience in financial management, transportation planning or any other relevant discipline.

Induction of outside professionals is expected to enhance the capacity of the NHAI to take strategic decision, widen its perspective, bring in the best management practices, and assist in achieving the goal of higher private participation.