The Kerala Government plans to evolve a new route for infrastructure development by involving people in projects under a new concept of public-private people’s participation (PPPP).
The Public Works Minister V.K. Ebrahim Kunju said the State Government is looking forward to people’s participation through local self-government institutions.
The three-day ‘Infrastructure Conference 2012’ beginning in Kochi tomorrow will have a special session for this new concept. This concept was mooted at the recently held Emerging Kerala Global Investors meet.
The government’s intention is to have a total change in the approach towards the development projects and the conference will focus on “an integrated approach to infrastructure development,” he said.
On Thursday, the proceedings will start with a welcome address by T. O. Sooraj, Secretary, Public Works Department.
Chief Minister Oommen Chandy will inaugurate the event and address the gathering. Ebrahim Kunju will deliver the presidential address.
PRESENTATIONS PLANNED
Among those who would be making special addresses are K. M. Mani, Minister for Finance; Aryaden Muhammed, Minister for Transport and Power; P.J. Joseph, Minister for Water Resources; K.C. Joseph, Minister for Rural Development; and Manjalamkuzhi Ali, Minister for Urban Development.
After the felicitation addresses, Parveen Kumar, Senior Vice-President, IL&FS Rail Ltd, will make a presentation on monorail projects.
The post-lunch session will be chaired by Manoj Joshi, Joint Secretary, Government of India, who will make the introductory address.
OPEN DEBATE
Arnab Bandyopadhyay, Senior Transport Engineer, World Bank, will present a paper on ‘Institutional preparedness – Need for paradigm shift.’
This will be followed by a panel discussion. Later, S.V.R. Srinivasan, additional metropolitan commissioner and managing director, Mumbai Metro, will make a presentation.
The topic will be on ‘New dimensions in land acquisition – A participatory approach.’ Ajith B. Patil, secretary, Kochi Corporation, will join him.
This will be followed by ‘Vox Populi,’ an open debate on national highway under BOT (build, own, transfer) and road safety issues.