Absence of decision-making in govt biggest concern: Premji

Bangalore: The complete absence of decision-making in the government, coupled with corruption, is the biggest challenge facing the country, Azim Premji, chairman of IT major Wipro, said on Monday. 

    At a press meeet to announce the Q2 results of Wipro, Premji responded to a question on what he thought were India's biggest concerns. "There are governance issues, but we are 
hearing a little less of that compared to a month ago. There is complete absence of decision-making among leaders in the government," the billionaire entrepreneur said, warning, "If prompt action is not taken, the country will face a setback. You must appreciate how serious it is." 
    Last month, Premji was among a group of eminent personalities who had, in an open letter to national leaders, expressed concern over governance deficit, as reflected in the uncovering of a series of scams. "We are alarmed at the widespread governance deficit almost in every sphere of national activity, covering the government, business and institutions. Widespread discretionary decision-making has been routinely subjected to extraneous influences," they said.
Core sector growth slows to 2.3% 
    Growth in the country's eight key infrastructure sectors slowed in September because of decline in coal, natural gas and fertiliser output, raising fresh concerns about the state of the industrial segment, which has been hit by rising interest rates and input costs. Data released by the government has showed the core sector grew 2.3% in September, slower than the 3.7% growth in August. In September 2010, the core sector had grown 3.3%. In the first six months of 2011-12, the growth rate stood at 4.9%, slower than the 5.6% registered in the same period last year. P 22 PM's reaction to letter positive, says Premji 
Bangalore: In a letter to political leaders last month, a group of eminent personalities, including Wipro chairman Azim Premji, had expressed concern over governance deficit. 
    "Possibly, the biggest issue corroding the fabric of our nation is corruption. This malaise needs to be tackled with a sense of urgency, determination and on a war footing," the group had said. The others in the group included Mahindra & Mahindra chairman Keshub Mahindra and HDFC chairman Deepak Parekh. 
    The group also wrote a letter acknowledging the existence of a "strong nexus between certain corporates, bureaucrats and power-brokers" and suggested a number of reforms in areas such as the judiciary, police, land acquisition and environmental clearances. Asked about the government's response to the letters, Premji said, "As far as the open letter is concerned, the reaction of the Prime Minister has been positive in terms of taking it on record."

RAISING ALARM: Premji calls for prompt action