Tata-SIA proposal hanging fire

The lack of transparency and the official suspense over the Tata-Singapore Airlines proposal to start a new domestic airline in India have raised a question mark not only over the joint venture but also over the Government’s decision-making process itself. The proposal was submitted to the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) on February 6. Normally decisions are handed down within 45 days. But thus far there has been neither a ‘yes’ nor a ‘no’.

New Holland plan to plough a new furrow

New Holland, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Fiat and owner of the ‘Ford’ brandname in tractors, is scouting for partners to set up a joint venture greenfield manufacturing base in India. New Holland is a minority partner in Escorts Tractors Ltd and is apparently not happy with this. “Serious” negotiations are on with three or four tractor units to manufacture New Holland’s entire range of Ford and Fiat tractors, either with a majority stake or in an equal partnership.

Expert panel to review public health system

The Centre has set up an expert committee under the chairmanship of Planning Commission member, Mr. J. S. Bajaj, to review the public health system in the country. According to official sources, the committee would inter alia review the quality of epidemic surveillance and recommend short and longterm measures necessary to prevent epidemics and improve the standards of hygiene in the country. The committee would submit its report by the end of September this year. Meantime, the Government has decided to take up a pilot project on the oral health care programme for which provisions have already been made in the 1995-96 Budget proposals.

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