JK govt sets up panel for implementation of PPP framework

The Jammu and Kashmir government has constituted a steering committee to oversee selection, formulation and time-bound implementation of projects under Public-Private Partnership (PPP) mode.
As per an order issued by the State Finance Department, the steering committee would be headed by the Chief Secretary with Administrative Secretaries of Finance, Planning & Development, Revenue, Law and the department concerned as its members.
The government has also ordered creation of a PPP cell in the Finance Department to coordinate the implementation of infrastructure projects to be undertaken under PPP mode.
The PPP cell shall assist, apprise and guide the line departments, adopt and develop model documents for different sectors and coordinate the efforts of the line departments for effective implementation of PPP mode.

As per the order, the PPP projects will be undertaken only after seeking approval of the state cabinet and the projects selected for implementation shall require concurrence of the Finance and Planning & Development Departments before bidding.
Nine sectors in which the government has sanctioned implementation of projects under the PPP mode included roads, tourism, housing, urban development, sports, technical education, health, horticulture and industries and mining.

Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed had on December 2 announced the state cabinet's decision to approve undertaking of various projects under the PPP mode.
PPP is a funding and operational model for public infrastructure projects requiring large finance. The line departments would identify and have ownership of such projects.

According to Finance Minister Haseeb Drabu the PPP mode will lead to fast-track development and construction of projects in various sectors and will go long way in boosting infrastructure needs of Jammu and Kashmir.