World Bank Sanctions $188M Loan To Boost Maharashtra Growth: Key Focus On Lagging Districts, Data-Driven Governance And Jobs

The World Bank has sanctioned a $188.28-million loan to accelerate economic growth in Maharashtra, particularly in its lagging districts, according to a media release.

The initiative aims to empower districts with data, funds, and expertise to optimise public spending, boost job creation, and enhance private sector engagement. The project will improve e-government services for businesses, focusing on sectors like tourism, to stimulate growth.

Critical hurdles, including the lack of credible, timely data and fragmented governance by multiple agencies, have impeded Maharashtra’s growth plans in underperforming districts. Challenges in district-level governance and limited access to efficient government services by the private sector further constrain development efforts.

“By providing well-articulated investments in institutional capability and coordination at the district level, the program will enhance evidence-based planning and policymaking, efficient public sector interface with the private sector, and improved service delivery to the public – all of which are the fulcrum of broad-based growth, especially in lagging districts,” said Auguste Tano Kouamé, the World Bank’s Country Director for India.

The program will also establish a data governance framework, including the “Maha Databank,” for better coordination, integration, and analysis to address developmental gaps, such as gender disparities.

Additionally, it will strengthen Maharashtra’s online service delivery platforms, including “MAITRI 2.0” (private sector services) and the RTS portal (government services), to ensure the private sector has timely access to essential government services,” stated Neha Gupta and Thomas Danielewitz, Task Team Leaders for the project.

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