Paralysis in decision-making in Modi dispensation: Congress

At the receiving end during the UPA rule of opposition barbs about policy paralysis, Congress today hit back alleging that there was paralysis in decision- making in the Narendra Modi dispensation due to "centralization".

Party spokesperson Anand Sharma mentioned a number of top posts in diverse fields including Lokpal, CVC, CIC and DRDO and in a dozen scientific institutions, that are lying vacant for long.

"If it is true the government is very decisive, then what is the reason for not appointing the chiefs of these important bodies," Deputy Leader of Congress in Rajya Sabha Anand Sharma said.

He said that the delay in decision-making was due to the fact that there was "centralized decision-making now" in the government which has led to "paralysis in decision-making".

Other top posts vacant included chiefs of ICAR, CSIR, ICMR, CDRI, TIFR, SN Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences, Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics as also Vice Chancellors of 12 central universities.

The appointment of 76 joint secretaries has also been pending.

"The PM has made boastful claims and he has confused many within the country and even misled people globally," he said.

Sharma challenged Finance Minister Arun Jaitley "to deny the fact that till the formation of new government in 2014, 24.30 crore accounts were opened" while questioning the vision of 'JAM Trinity'.

JAM Trinity is the PM's initiative and refers to Jan Dhan Yojana bank account number, Aadhaar number and mobile phones.