KOHIMA, MARCH 24 (DIPR): The Government has constituted a Public Private Partnership Cell in the Finance Department during 2006. This was stated by the State Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio today in his budget speech.
The Cell will examine all PPP project proposals to ascertain risk factors, viability etc. and forward them to the department of Economic Affairs of Government of India for their clearance. Rio said that potential areas for PPP projects are agriculture, industries, urban development power, tourism, water supply, health and education etc. The basic objective is to bring about private sector participation in these areas by roping in their resources and expertise to provide better and efficient services to the public in a manner that will profit the Government, private partner and the public.
Rio said that the Government would act as a facilitator in providing land, legal and system support. 20% of the project cost would be available as grants from the Government of India to enhance viability of the project. Rio said that by handing over such sectors to the private sector, more Government funds can be made available for spending in core economic and social programmes.
