By IANS,
New Delhi: Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh Wednesday admitted to differences with Shyam Saran, who quit as the Prime Minister’s Special Envoy on Climate Change.
“It’s basically (about) working style and how one approaches a problem. But frankly I have nothing to do with his decision (to resign),” the minister said at the Indian Women’s Press Corps here.
Saran announced his resignation Feb 19. According to reports, the decision followed differences with Jairam Ramesh over climate change negotiations.
“We tried to work together but there is a difference in style of working, perception and nuances. I am more of a political person and he is a bureaucrat,” Jairam Ramesh said.
The minister said he was accountable to parliament where he had to explain his decisions.
“The fact is that the environment ministry is responsible for climate change. Then whatever happens, it is for the ministry to hold the tag for good or bad. It is my job to set the policy. I will listen to bureaucrats but bureaucracy cannot dictate policy,” he said.
“I consult everybody. But once (if the policy is) decided, they should support me. But it is unfortunate that in our country arguments go on even after a decision is taken,” he added.
The minister added that Shyam Saran was the prime minister’s special envoy, not his.