BANGALORE: The State Government is likely to finalise its draft infrastructure policy, 2007 in the next few months. The draft policy, now in circulation in various government departments and commerce and industry associations, proposes to build a strong public-private partnership (PPP) base for infrastructure development to achieve high growth and equity.

It is learnt that the draft policy pitches for an increased role for PPP to create new infrastructure assets and manage the assets already created.

The Government hopes to help the user benefit through savings in costs with innovative designs, timely project implementation and higher efficiencies in operation; enhanced quality of services; gradual elimination of pricing constraints; financial innovation; and more jobs in the infrastructure sector.

Time limit

For expeditious project implementation, the State Government will try to conclude the evaluation process for all infrastructure projects within 90 days from the date of submission of the final proposal.

In the case of suo motu proposals, the Government will proceed with the bidding process within 180 days of their submission, sources told The Hindu .

If necessary, the Government will consider promulgating specific legislation for expeditious acquisition of land for infrastructure projects covered by the policy.

The State also plans to set up independent regulatory authorities for some of the infrastructure sectors.

Another proposal is to set up a PPP Cell to coordinate and facilitate the identification, development and implementation of infrastructure projects, including clearances and approvals.

The Government also plans to set up District PPP Committees chaired by the Deputy Commissioner concerned.

Single-window agency

Also in the pipeline is a PPP single-window agency to be constituted under the chairmanship of the Chief Secretary/Additional Chief Secretary.

For all PPP proposals in excess of Rs. 50 crore, this agency will scrutinise and make its recommendations to the high-level committee headed by the Chief Minister, constituted under Section 3 of the Karnataka (Facilitation) Act, 2002, for approval.

The Government has identified the following sectors for development through the PPP route: Agriculture, Energy, Industrial Infrastructure, Irrigation, Tourism, Transportation and Logistics, and Urban Infrastructure.

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