Bhubaneswar, Sep 25: To study the state’s infrastructure strategy and give recommendations on enhancing private investment, the central government, in collaboration with the World Bank, has identified Odisha as one of the first four states besides Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Meghalaya for the study.
In this context, a 5-member team from the World Bank, comprising senior PPP (Public Private Partnership) specialists and advisors, participated in a meeting under the chairpersonship of Anu Garg, Development Commissioner.
Secretaries of key infrastructure departments and officials from the Directorate of PPP, Finance Department also attended the meeting who gave key suggestions on the various areas where private participation is beneficial for the state.
Garg briefed the delegation about the revamped PPP policy, institutional framework for the appraisal of PPP projects and the recent initiatives undertaken to enhance greater private sector participation across sectors including the social sector.
She stressed on the growing aspirations of the state and how “Vision 2036” is crucial to the multifaceted recognition of Odisha at the national and global level.
The primary focus of the team’s visit is to understand the success factors as well as challenges in the past and existing projects. This would enable them to highlight some of the best practices being followed in the state for knowledge of the other states as well as with key global partners.
The team also envisages extending critical technical advisory services for future projects, if required.