Initiative for closer bonds between funding agencies

New Delhi, Jun 23 (UNI) In a unique initiative aimed at forging closer relationship between states and external funding agencies, the Finance Ministry organised a first of its kind workshop in Ranchi today where the stake holders underlined the need for implementing sustainable development strategies in an environment where there are multiple pressures on resources with competing demands.

The two-day ''Regional External Assistance Workshop'' was inaugurated by Jharkhand Chief Minister Madhu Koda, who welcomed the idea of holding such an event in a relatively backward state.

The workshop saw the coming together of major external development partners and officials of five States, namely Bihar, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Orissa and Jharkhand.

Officials from Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh also participated as resource persons to share their experiences in accessing external assistance.

Mr Koda urged the development partners to initiate more projects in Jharkhand.

Ms Sindhushree Khullar, Additional Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, in her speech, outlined the role of external assistance in the development of the states and called upon them to access development assistance for infrastructure development, improving social development indicators and building capacity and skills of the state-level officials.

All major external development partners are attending the workshop. Country Heads of the World Bank, ADB, UNDP, JBIC IFAD, and DFID as well senior officials of Ministry of Finance, Planning Commission and seven state governments are participating in the workshop.

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