PM to meet top ministers to redeem Govt's image

The black money issue and a spate of corruption cases have dealt a serious blow to the government's image. This has prompted Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to call a meeting of his senior infrastructure ministers to find a way to redeem the government's image and change the perception of policy paralysis.

The PM is expected to present a blueprint and deadline to bring the economy back on track. The Ministers for Coal, Shipping, Railways, Civil Aviation and Power will be presenting their proposals.

Some of India's key infrastructure sectors are battling crisis situations. Railway Minister Mukul Roy may have reduced fares that were hiked by his predecessor but there have already been three major rail accidents and many complaints of poor service proposes elevated railway projects.

The Prime Minister is in the eye of the storm, facing allegations of irregularities in the allocation of coal blocks to private players. He is hoping for more and efficient power generation from coal.

Ajit Singh who was given charge of the Aviation Ministry is still trying to sort out the Air India crisis. To add to his woes, the CAG report has raised questions of irregularities in expansion of existing airports. Ajit Singh has proposed 10 new airports.

The shipping sector needs more connectivity which requires a budget of Rs 5,000 crore, but there's resistance to this budget. Shipping Minister GK Wasan has proposed 2 new ports to boost trade.

India is also facing a shortfall in power generation. There's always a shortage of coal and delays in clearances.

Surface transport have around 21 proposed projects incomplete and Union Minister for Roads, Transport and Highways CP Joshi is criticised for concentrating on home state Rajasthan.