World Bank to Provide Haryana with Financing Equivalent to Past 50 Years in Next Five Years

The World Bank has pledged to provide Haryana with the same financial support over the next five years as it did in the past 50, according to a senior official. Discussions between Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini and World Bank's Country Director Auguste Tano Kouame covered education, air quality, and transport. The World Bank has been involved with Haryana since 1971, contributing $1 billion in financing over five decades.

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World Bank's Future Plans for Haryana

Kouame expressed optimism about future projects in Haryana, stating, "In the next five years, we will provide as much financing as we have provided in the past 50 years." This commitment aims to help Haryana play a significant role in India's development by 2047. Besides direct loans, Haryana benefits from pan-India projects funded by the World Bank.

A Global Artificial Intelligence Centre is set to be established in Haryana with World Bank assistance. This initiative aims to position the state as a leader in AI research and innovation. Chief Minister Saini highlighted that this collaboration would enhance technological capabilities and boost the digital economy.

Environmental Initiatives and Funding

The Haryana Clean Air Project was also discussed, focusing on sustainable development and air quality improvement. The project involves a total investment of Rs 3,647 crore, with the World Bank providing a loan of Rs 2,498 crore. The state government will contribute Rs 1,066 crore, with an additional Rs 83 crore allocated as a grant.

Haryana aims to eliminate stubble burning by 2030 as part of its agricultural initiatives. The state government is also interested in collaborating on water management projects, including irrigation and underground water supply improvements. A proposal for such projects will be considered once received.

Transport and Infrastructure Developments

Key transport projects like the Delhi-Gurugram corridor were discussed during the meeting. This project is proposed for joint financing by the World Bank and the European Investment Bank. The state also seeks funding for water-specific projects to improve irrigation and water supply.

The interlinking of rivers project is another area of interest for Haryana. This initiative aims to enhance irrigation facilities and implement the Amrit Sarovar Scheme to rejuvenate water bodies. A team from Haryana plans to visit Gujarat to study similar projects.

Kouame mentioned that a new country partnership framework is being prepared for India in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance. This framework will outline priorities for engagement with India over the next five years, focusing on state-level ambitions as India aims to become a developed nation by 2047.

The meeting included key officials such as Chief Principal Secretary Rajesh Khullar and Principal Secretary Arun Kumar Gupta. Their presence underscored the importance of these discussions for Haryana's future development plans.