President Pratibha Patil underlines private sector role in energy revolution
Mumbai:President Pratibha Patil on Wednesday gave a call to explore public private partnership model for energy
revolution and nation's development. Speaking after inaugurating a power, energy
and telecom summit in Mumbai, the President said the success of public private
partnerships, in creating critical infrastructure should also be explored for
an energy revolution that will ensure energy security. The President pointed out
that there was a need of power linkages to provide electricity to all and it was
the time to draw a multi-pronged strategy for energy revolution in the country.
In her address, President Patil said that many infrastructure projects like roads,
highways and airports have come up through this route of Public Private Partnerships
in the country. Stating that inclusive growth demands significant contribution
from the private sector, the President laid stress on innovation in the field
of science and technology to meet future challenges including growing demands
for electricity. Pointing out that that the country suffers from an infrastructure
deficit, the President said that the government is taking steps to augment the
infrastructure and there is a forward movement on this front. President Patil
said that with a strong economy, India would maintain a robust growth rate in
the coming years. Maharashtra Governor K Sankaranarayanan, Union Power
Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde, Chief Minister Ashok Chavan, and Deputy Chief
Minister Chagan Bhujbal were present on the occasion.
