The issue of raising financial support was discussed at a meeting between visiting World Bank President Robert B Zoellick and state Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.
The World Bank on Wednesday pledged to step up financial assistance to Odisha to help it pursue the goal of sustainable and inclusive growth by better utilising financial aid.
The issue of raising financial support was discussed at a meeting between visiting World Bank President Robert B Zoellick and state Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.
The discussions, according to a World Bank release, also focused on how its USD 600 million program for the state could better address developmental challenges. The sectors identified for possible future focus included mining and water management.
"Odisha has taken significant steps to combat poverty and to ensure social justice... in the areas of food security, agricultural production and women empowerment. However, some challenges still remain in (case of) agricultural productivity and providing access to infrastructure and public services," Patnaik said.
The World Bank, the Chief Minister said, "has been a development partner for Odisha and we hope to continue a mutual engagement in addressing these issues."
Zoellick, who is on a 5-day India tour, is visiting Odisha to gain firsthand view of state's economic and social challenges and also to find out how best the Bank could support it.
Odisha, the World Bank chief said, "can contribute significantly to India's economic growth and development. The state's vast mineral resources can make a substantial contribution to India's growth in strategic sectors, and also help mitigate global pressure on commodity prices."
Later in the day, Zoellick visited Bhitarkanika wildlife sanctuary in Kendrapara district and listened to the woes of people who narrated their plight due to enforcement of stringent provisions of wildlife and forest protection acts.
Zoellick also discussed the implementation of World Bank-funded Integrated Coastal Zone Management Project (ICZMP) in Odisha. The state government is to get Rs 227 crore from World Bank in a phased manner for ICZMP.
The Bank chief also visited the coastal Rajnagar block in the district to see implementation of mangrove conservation efforts and project-related activities under ICZMP.
He felt that ICZMP could lead to sustainable growth of local economy along with protection coastal ecology and environment issues, said an official.
"Mangrove conservation in Bhitarkanika could be replicated in mangrove-degraded zones elsewhere in India. The tidal and swampy forest is a natural buffer that would protect the area from a sea surge and cyclonic storm. Its conservation is of paramount importance," the official added.
The World Bank has been supporting the development programme of the Government of Odisha since the mid-1990s, through investment projects in irrigation, power, health, roads and education as well as through technical assistance, policy-based loans and credits.
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