3.1. Administrative Approvals for State level PPP Projects

Most State Governments have devised mechanisms and processes for obtaining necessary administrative approvals for development of projects under PPP framework. Usually, depending on the estimated project cost of development; the appropriate Authority from which the approval is to be obtained by the public entity varies.

Administrative approvals usually are sought at two stages of project development; viz. (i) prior to commencement of procurement process and, (ii) upon selection of the successful bidder and before issuing Letter of Award to such bidder.

Administrative Approval Process for Development of State Level PPP Projects in Karnataka

In Karnataka, a Single Window Agency (SWA) has been constituted at the State Level under the Chairmanship of the Chief Secretary to approve the PPP projects up to Rs.50 crore and to recommend the projects above Rs.50 crore to the State High Level Committee under the Chairmanship of the Chief Minister constituted under section 3 of the Karnataka Industries (Facilitation) Act 2002.

The Committee shall consist of the following members:

1. Chief Secretary - Chairman.

2. Additional Chief Secretary - Member

3. ACS & Development Commissioner - Member

4. Principal Secretary, Planning Department - Member

5. Principal Secretary, Finance Department - Member

6. Principal Secretary, Commerce & Industries Department - Member

7. Principal Secretary, PWD Department - Member

8. Principal Secretary, Urban Development Department - Member

9. Principal Secretary of the Department concerned with PPP project - Member

10. Principal Secretary, Infrastructure Development Department-Member Secretary.

The Chairman of the Committee may co-opt/invite additional members as and when required. The PPP Cell, constituted under the Infrastructure Development Department, Government of Karnataka will be the nodal agency to receive the proposals in respect of the PPP projects and place them before the SWA for consideration and approval. The Committee shall examine and consider the PPP proposals relating to any Department/ agency in the State.