Power Minister wants Govt also to be penalised for delay in PPP

Piyush Goyal says govt to bar private players from bidding for projects if they possess less 80% of required land

The success of the PPP models rests on the commitment of both partners -- the  Government and the private sector -- and a new framework to reinvigorate the projects under joint partnerships is underway.

Addressing delegates at the Investment Summit of Haryana in Gurgaon today, Union Minister for Power, Coal and Renewable Energy, Piyush Goyal, said that delay on the part of the Government in providing clearances and land acquisition -- if this factor is included in the PPP project -- should also be penalised. “For a joint venture partnership, both partners should be equally accountable for any delays and cost escalation.”

A robust framework at the planning level is required to expeditiously execute PPP projects. The time wasted in re-negotiation can also be saved if consultations and engagements with stakeholders at all levels are taken.

The GOI is eyeing to put 5,000 renewable power generation plants fuelled by solid waste and has set a target to cover every town with a population above 30,000. Any electricity generated out of waste would feed the national grid.

To fast-track implementation of infrastructure projects, it is imperative to screen the projects before the bidding process. The Government of India is mulling bringing out policy amendments under which those possessing less than 80 per cent of land would not be eligible for bidding, Goyal said.