'Partner Kerala Meet can be replicated across country'

The Partner Kerala Meet is an innovative model which could be replicated elsewhere in the country, union Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs Vayalar Ravi said Monday.

"This meet is a new platform for the local bodies to find funds for the development projects. The rest of the country could follow this model to develop the urban centres," Ravi said while inaugurating the meet here that is expected to help corporations, municipalities and development authorities attract investments for infrastructure projects.

The two-day meet is being organised by the Department of Urban Affairs, headed by state Urban Affairs Minister Manjalamkuzhi Ali.

The projects that have been showcased are to be implemented in the five corporations and 60 municipalities of the state.

The projects include waste management, sewerage, flyovers, bridges, parking lots, bus terminals, comfort stations, markets, shopping complexes and multiplex cinema halls.

"The meet is a bold attempt to attract local investors to partner with the government and be a part of nation building. It also ensures good returns for the investors," added Ravi.

Ali said the government would ensure the investments made by private players in the projects would be safe.

"Though we are committed to ensure the investors get good returns for their investments, not a single piece of government land will be given to private players," Ali said.

He said the government devised the meet as the Public Private Partnership (PPP) was the best model to develop assets lying with the local bodies.

"We are considering to launch a new department to oversee proper implementation of PPP projects. The infrastructure projects required for each local body will be finalised only after consultations with respective municipal councils," added Ali.