Introduction
A public-private partnership (PPP) is a long-term contractual arrangement between a government agency (the public sector) and a private sector entity. The PPP model is used to deliver public services or infrastructure, and it can take many different forms. They can be a valuable tool for governments to deliver projects that would be too costly or complex for the public sector to undertake on its own.
In a typical PPP model –
- the private sector entity is responsible for expertise ( i.e. designing & building), resources, risk capital (financing), and operating the project.
- the government agency provides land, funding and regulatory framework ( i.e. permits, and other approvals).
- the private sector entity then recoups its investment through user fees or other revenue streams.
Evolvement of PPP for development of UP
The use of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) for the development of Uttar Pradesh (UP) has evolved over time. In the early years of Liberalisation, PPPs were used primarily for infrastructure projects, such as roads, bridges, and power plants. However, in recent years, PPPs have been used for a wider range of projects, including education, healthcare, and urban development.
One of the first projects to be completed under the PPP model in Uttar Pradesh was the Noida Expressway (24.53 km) which was inaugurated in 2002. This project was a success, and it paved the way for other PPP projects in the state. In the following years, UP saw a number of major PPP projects, including the Yamuna Expressway, the Agra-Lucknow Expressway, the Purvanchal Expressway, and Bundelkhand Expressway. These projects helped to improve the state’s infrastructure and connectivity, and they also boosted economic growth.
UP is also using PPPs for urban development. For example, the state has partnered with private companies to build and operate metro systems in Lucknow and Kanpur. These projects are helping to improve the mobility of people in these cities, and they are also helping to reduce pollution.
In recent years, UP has also used PPPs for a wider range of projects, such as education and healthcare. For example, the state has partnered with private companies to build and operate schools and hospitals. These projects have helped to improve access to quality education and healthcare for the people of UP.
The use of PPPs in UP has had a positive impact on the state’s development. PPPs have helped to improve the state’s infrastructure, connectivity, education, healthcare, and urban development. As a result, PPPs are expected to play an even greater role in the development of UP in the years to come.
Here is a summary of the evolution of PPPs in UP:
- Early 2000s: PPP Cell set up by UP government to promote and facilitate PPP projects.
- 2002-2012: Focus on infrastructure development through PPPs.
- 2012-present: Expansion of PPPs to other sectors, such as education, healthcare, and urban development.
- 2017: UP government announces ambitious plans to further develop the state through PPPs.
- 2023-present: Implementation of large-scale PPP projects, such as the Purvanchal Expressway, the Ganga Expressway, and the Jewar Airport.
Benefits
Here are some of the key benefits of using PPPs for the development of UP:
- PPPs can help to attract private investment into the state.
- PPPs can help to speed up the implementation of projects.
- PPPs can help to improve the quality of projects.
- PPPs can help to reduce the risk of project failure.
Challenges
However, there are also some challenges associated with using PPPs:
- PPPs can be complex and time-consuming to implement.
- PPPs can be expensive.
- PPPs can be vulnerable to corruption.
Steps To Overcome challenges
The UP government is aware of the challenges associated with PPPs, and it is taking steps to address them. The government is working to improve the legal and regulatory framework for PPPs, and it is also providing training and capacity building for government officials involved in PPP projects.
- Checklist of clearance/licenses
- List of clearance/ licenses ProcedureChek-list and Timeline
- Single Window Facilities
- Udyog Bandhu – Dedicated single window body
- Nivesh Mitra – Online single window
- Common Application Form
- UPIGRS- Online Grievance Redressal (with escalation)
- Timelines of Services under Nivesh Mitra
- Time bound service delivery
Udyog Bandhu : Udyog Bandhu is a 3-tier (District level, Divisional level & State Level) dedicated body of the Government of Uttar Pradesh acting as a single window system since 1st January 1999. It provides 360 degree services for the purpose of setting up of businesses in the state and covers all industrial approvals.
Nivesh Mitra : Implemented in 2009 the online single window system of the state Nivesh Mitra – has been ranked as one of the best in India according to the erstwhile Planning Commission report ( March , 2014 ). The portal has a monitoring dashboard with colour coding for officials to monitor progress. Nivesh Mitra also updates investors about the progress of their application through SMS.
Common Application Form : Entrepreneurs can apply for all the approvals/ clearances required for starting a business in Uttar Pradesh through a Common Application Form (CAF) available at Nivesh Mitra – the online single window system of the state. The CAF considerably reduces the time and hassle faced by businesses/ investors in filling multiple applications by eliminating the need of filling up repetitive information.
UPIGRS- Online Grievance Redressal : Now you can submit your issues related to your industry by simply furnishing the particulars given in this web portal. Your grievance shall be immediately received in Udyog Bandhu for further action. The objective of UPIGRS is to provide an online platform to the entrepreneurs for submitting their grievance to Udyog Bandhu. It also provides a grievance monitoring mechanism across Uttar Pradesh. The issues lodged through this portal are forwarded to the dedicated Grievance Cell at Udyog Bandhu who in turn forwards the grievances to the nodal officer of the relevant department for necessary action by specifying a possible resolve time (15 Days).
UPIGRS provides a Unique Token Number (UTN) to the complainant which can be used to track the status of his/her complaint. If the registered complaint is not viewed by the concerned official within 07 days or is not resolved within the possible resolve time (15 Days)then an automatic alert is sent to the Joint Executive Director Udyog Bandhu. Further, if the concerned departments fail to take any action on the grievances forwarded to them within 21 Days, then an escalation alert is sent to the Executive Director, Udyog Bandhu who then reviews the situation and ensures necessary action.
Conclusion
Overall, PPPs have the potential to be a powerful tool for the development of UP. However, it is important to ensure that PPPs are properly structured and managed in order to maximise their benefits.