Key issues before ministers on economic policy matters

Following are some of the key policy issues expected to be addressed by the newly-inducted ministers in Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's government with economic portfolios:

Following are some of the key policy issues expected to be addressed by the newly-inducted ministers in Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's government with economic portfolios:

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Commerce and Industry Minister: Anand Sharma

Push for relaxing foreign equity norms in areas like retail

Ensure revival of exports

Help with policy measures to nurse industry back to health

Minister of State for Civil Aviation (Independent charge): Praful Patel

Take forward the programme to upgrade some 40 airports

Build up support to lift caps on foreign investment in sector

Help nurse state-run Air India back to financial health

Minister of Power: Sushil Kumar Shinde

Get all proposed ultra-mega power projects going

Ensure transparent divestment of stake in state-run power units

Get policies on track to ensure targets are met for power generation

Minister of New and Renewable Energy: Farooq Abdullah

Help with policies to help India tap the huge renewable energy potential

Push for measures that will make renewable energy projects financially viable

Support states for projects in areas like solar, small hydel and wind energy

Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister: Murli Deora

Awards contracts under new round for exploration of hydrocarbon assets

Devise new framework to help India in its quest for energy security

Assist Indian companies in tapping new markets for oil and gas assets

Communications and IT Minister: A. Raja

Ensure transparent and speedy auction of spectrum for 3G and WiMAX

Put in place a new spectrum policy, with more frequency from defence

Permit Internet telephony to help lower call costs further

Minister of Steel: Virbhadra Singh

Nudge steel makers to keep prices stable

Ensure firms like Arcelor-Mittal and Posco retain investment interest in India

Coordinate with states in securing speedy clearances for steel projects

Minister of State for Coal (Independent Charge): Sriprakash Jaiswal

Ensure adequate supplies of coal to steel, power and other projects

Allowing private sector entry into isolated pockets of coal deposits

Okaying foreign participation in coal sector for enhanced production

Minister of Food Processing Industries: Subodh Kant Sahay

Implement mega food park projects to promote regional development

Establish cold chains to ensure wastage of farm produce is lowered

Help frame favourable policy for linkage between farm sector and industry

Minister of Shipping: G.K. Vasan

End the controversy over Ram Sethu issue

Formulate a policy on environment-friendly ship-breaking

Minister of Road Transport and Highways: Kamal Nath

Award the 35 projects that are pending for national highway development

Ensure smooth functioning of public-private partnership on road projects

Work closely with railway minister on completing dedicated freight corridors

Textiles Minister: Dayanidhi Maran

Help with policy initiatives to nurse textile industry back to health

Ensure handloom, handicraft exports bounce back again

Nurse jute industry back to financial health

Fertilisers and Chemicals Minister: M.K. Azhagiri

Ensure drug prices remain stable in the country

Have action plan with health ministry to act fast during epidemics

Help frame policies to attract foreign investment in industry-specific hubs

Minister of Mines: B.K. Handique

Handing over abandoned coal mines to private sector

Ensure foreign investment in mining of key minerals

Recast policy on safety of workers in mining