Bhubaneswar: In a bid to strengthen its PPP Cell under the Planning & Convergence (P&C) department, the state government is planning to make it as an expert directorate.
This proposal was discussed during a high-level review meeting held under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary Asit Tripathy here at Lok Seva Bhawan, Tuesday. Tripathy directed officials concerned to make a detailed proposal in the matter and place it before the government for approval.
It may be pertinent to mention here that as of now the public-private partnership (PPP) Cell has been operating under the administrative control of the P&C department. Experts suggested bringing the Cell under Finance department to help in better integration of budgetary and extra budgetary sources for development projects. It will help in enhancing the number of projects and activities within available budgetary provisions, they suggested.
Odisha leads in launching and execution of development projects in PPP mode. Sources said PPP management is a well functioning system in the entire country with its single window clearance system and ground level facilitation for expeditious commissioning of the projects.
Reviewing the performance of the PPP cell, Tripathy directed to make it more dynamic and innovative. He further directed that the PPP unit should conceptualise and formulate a shelf of projects for attracting more private sector investments. The departments were asked to provide necessary technical support in formulation of the detailed project after it is conceptualised by the PPP unit.
Finance secretary Ashok KK Meena said that till July 1 this year, 88 projects worth Rs 18,349 crore have been sanctioned under PPP mode. These projects are mainly in urban development, transport, industrial infrastructure, health, education, roads, tourism, food supplies and consumer welfare and energy sectors.
Out of the 88 projects, 57 projects of Rs 8,365crore have been completed and operationalised while 17 other projects of Rs 4861 crore are under various stages of completion and 14 projects of worth Rs 5,123 crore are in pipeline, the source said.
