
After the Asian Development Bank made a visit, it is the World Bank8217;s turn to scout for projects in Bihar that it can pump funds into. A high-level team met Chief Minister Nitish Kumar yesterday and said it was willing to pitch in for infrastructure-building.
8220;We are looking for a long-term association with the state,8221; the World Bank8217;s South Asia president Prafulla Patel said. 8220;The World Bank is keen to provide funds for infrastructure development like roads, power and irrigation. However the process is in the initial stages.8221;
The World Bank team is currently touring the state, taking stock of the changes on the ground after the regime change.
Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi termed the meeting as successful. 8220;They were impressed by the initiatives taken and were convinced about the state8217;s ability to absorb funds,8221; Modi said.
Though the team appreciated the reform initiatives taken by the Nitish Kumar government, it is looking for overall feedback from the industrial sectors. 8220;Since we are looking for exposure over a long-term horizon, we want to assess the ground situation properly. Apart from us, specialised teams will also pay a visit to the state for a sector-wise study before the money is finally sanctioned,8221; said a member of the team.