Ap Seeks Direct Access To Rs 8000cr Loans
Naidu made a presentation on the states finances to World Bank president James D Wolfensohn who appreciated his governments approach and methodology in dealing with the various problems facing Andhra Pradesh.
Eight World Bank-aided projects, at a total cost of Rs 1,635 crore, are already being implemented in the state.
All of them are expected to be completed by 2001. Naidu said Rs 330 crore has already been spent on these projects.
The seven projects for which Naidu sought the Banks assistance yesterday are the Rs 1,800 crore Andhra Pradesh irrigation project, the Rs 1,080 crore Andhra Pradesh state highway project, the Rs 1,150-crore district poverty initiative project, the Rs 1,000-1,500-crore structural adjustment project, the Rs 3,600 crore electricity board restructuring project, the Rs 1,488 crore Hyderabad II water supply project and the Rs 300 crore information system and training project.
The state highway will be completed in two phases and the road network will cover various districts. A detailed project report has been sent to the World Bank for its consideration,
Naidu told reports soon after his meeting with the World Bank president. The irrigation project involves construction of the Srisailam right branch canal and the 234-km Kakatiya canal of the SriramSagar project.
A state official said direct access to World Bank loans does not need any consitutional amendment.
It only requires the Union governments permission.