**World Bank Expresses Commitment to Expand Support for Maharashtra**
Mumbai, Feb 4 (PTI) – Auguste Tano Kouame, the World Bank’s country head for India, met with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday to discuss the multilateral lender’s interest in increasing its commitments to the state. Kouame revealed that the current portfolio under implementation in Maharashtra amounts to USD 600 million, covering various sectors.
“The World Bank is eager to enhance its commitments to Maharashtra in the coming years,” Kouame stated after the meeting in Mumbai, the financial hub of India. The discussions included a range of potential projects aimed at making urban areas more livable, efficient, and sustainable. He noted that any final decisions regarding commitments would be made by the appropriate officials within the bank.
Key areas of focus for the World Bank include water, sanitation, efficient urban local governance, and infrastructure projects centered on transportation. The conversation also touched on coastline development strategies that support local communities’ livelihoods while preserving natural biodiversity. Additionally, the bank is considering follow-on investments to boost agricultural productivity and enhance flood resilience in cities and districts.
Kouame emphasized the World Bank’s interest in promoting innovation and improving healthcare quality in Maharashtra. Discussions also revolved around strategies to help the state achieve its goal of reaching a gross state domestic product of USD 1 trillion. He acknowledged that the current portfolio has dipped below historical averages, partly due to the COVID-19 pandemic and shifting priorities.
The existing portfolio focuses on agriculture, skills development, and capacity building for districts, with numerous other areas available for collaboration. “Maharashtra is keen to engage with us,” Kouame remarked, highlighting the productive discussions during the meeting. While he refrained from naming the Indian state with the highest commitments, he expressed the bank’s desire to go beyond financial support to incorporate global best practices.
When questioned about Maharashtra’s finances and certain social sector schemes that have faced criticism, Kouame indicated that the bank would wait for the state budget to be presented next month before addressing any concerns regarding fiscal management.
