Mr Sudripta Roy, Chief Secretary, Government of Himachal Pradesh emphasised on the need for creation of infrastructure in an environmentally sustainable manner and in line with aspirations of the people of the state while speaking at the Inaugural Session of Infra Conclave 2012 organised by Confederation of Indian Industry at Shimla today. Mr Roy ridiculed comparison with China on infrastructure development suggesting it as an autocratic model of development and not suitable for a democratic polity like India. Mr Roy expressed pride on the accomplishments of the state in the field of social infrastructure and urged on the need to evolve better PPP formats for increasing efficacy of private sector participation in infrastructure development.

Mr Shailesh Pathak, President, SREI during his Keynote Address lauded the achievements of the state in health, education, law and order. Mr Pathak urged on the need for increased public spending and lead role by the Government in infrastructure creation and use of private sector expertise in operation and management of infrastructure projects. Mr Pathak also imparted about the need for capacity building of Government officials in dealing with PPP projects.

Mr Cherian Thomas, Chief Executive Officer, IDFC Foundation briefed out the various successful PPP models across the country and emphasised on the need to ensure the financial viability and source of funding of the PPP projects from planning stage itself.

Earlier Mr C N Dhar, Chairman, CII HP State Council welcomed the guests and opined for concerted efforts for enabling infrastructure creation in the state. Mr Amit Gossain, Vice President, JCB India Ltd delivered the Vote of Thanks during the Inaugural Session and emphasised on the need for skill development drive for the construction and construction equipment industry.

The programme was addressed by eminent speakers from industry and government including Dr Purnima Chauhan, Director - Urban Development, Government of Himachal Pradesh; Mr Bharat Khera, Managing Director, HPSIDC, etc and attended by over 75 delegates from government and industry.