With the objective of optimising public investment, ensuring the timely implementation of projects and maximising outcomes from investments, the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) South Asia Regional Training and Technical Assistance Centre (SARTTAC) on Monday commenced a five-day training programme in Jaipur on ‘Public Investment Management–Indian States’.
Addressing the inaugural session, Chief Secretary Shri V. Srinivas said that large-scale investments are being made in public projects across the country. In such a scenario, it is crucial to ensure that projects are completed on time and available resources are utilised efficiently so that investments generate maximum benefits for the people and the economy.
He said that the impact of public investment in the State has not been limited to large projects alone. Continuous investment in basic infrastructure such as water and transport has improved connectivity in remote areas and helped connect people with markets and public services.
The Chief Secretary said that under Rising Rajasthan, investment agreements worth approximately Rs 35 lakh crore have been signed, of which investment proposals worth around Rs 9 lakh crore have already been grounded. He said Rajasthan is rapidly emerging as one of the country’s major renewable energy hubs, with large-scale investment proposals also received in this sector under Rising Rajasthan.
Referring to the Bhadla Solar Park, he said such projects demonstrate how strategic investment in the right direction can not only accelerate economic growth but also play an important role in ensuring energy security and environmental protection.
Describing GST reforms as an important transformation, the Chief Secretary said that these reforms have helped streamline various processes and documentation. He also highlighted the increased transparency and accountability in financial transactions through the State’s Cyber Treasury, as well as the shift towards real-time payments through the treasury-based payment system under SNA-SPARSH.
On the occasion, SARTTAC Director Shri Harald Finger informed that SARTTAC is a collaborative initiative of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), member countries of South Asia and development partners. Its objective is to strengthen the institutional and human resource capacity of member countries so that they can formulate and effectively implement better macroeconomic and fiscal policies.
He informed that, along with India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka are member countries of SARTTAC. It is an IMF regional centre where both training and technical assistance are provided.
SARTTAC Resident Public Financial Management Adviser Shri Stephen Turnbull, NITI Aayog Senior Adviser Shri Anurag Goyal, Special Secretary, Finance (Budget), Smt. Shivangi Swarnkar, and IMF Fiscal Affairs Department experts Shri Rui Monteiro and Shri Martin D’Arcy, among other officers, were present on the occasion.
