In a major development, the Department of Economic Affairs (DEA) on Monday cleared the World Bank funding of Rs 1,478 crore ($184.8 million) for the Maharashtra District Growth and Institutional Capacities Project. The total project is worth $264 million (Rs 2,112 crore) to be jointly implemented by the Maharashtra Institution for Transformation (MITRA) in active collaboration of the World Bank to enhance districts’ role as critical governance units for achieving green, resilient and inclusive development and to strengthen districts to accelerate inclusive economic growth and improve public service delivery.
DEA’s approval came a day after the Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday evening met the World Bank Executive Director for India Parameswaran Iyer and Executive Directors of over 10 countries.
‘’This is a joint program of GoM’s MITRA (Maharashtra Institution for Transformation) in collaboration with the World Bank for Districts’ growth & building the Institutional Capabilities. It will be primarily achieved by focusing on Investments in districts for
leveraging cutting-edge technologies for data management, strengthened planning and prioritisation of public investment, institutionalised convergence of financial resources, re-engineered citizen centric services and improved engagement of community stakeholders in economic development,’’ said Fadnavis in his tweet. He also thanked the Prime Minister, Finance Minister for the DEA’s clearance. He also thanked the World Bank for continued support while looking forward to bringing larger impacts at a fast pace.
The state government in its proposal to DEA said that the outcome of project will include improved capacity at the state and district level to identify, implement and monitor investments that promote sustainable economic growth, evidence-based decision making for public investments and service delivery and enhanced coordination across sectors and institutions for more responsive and efficient delivery of public services at the district level.
