The task force, headed by Human Resource Development Minister Murli Manohar Joshi, was set up in pursuance of the announcement to this effect by President K R Narayanan in his address to the joint session of Parliament last month. Finance Minister Yashwant Sinha, Chemicals and Fertilisers Minister Suresh Prabhu and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pramod Mahajan will be members of the task force which will have Chemicals and Petrochemicals Secretary Arvind Varma as member-secretary.

Other members are: Ajay Piramal, Anji Reddy, DS Brar, NR Narayana Murthy, CSIR Director General RA Mashelkar and N.K. Singh Secretary to Prime Minister.