India is a fantastic laboratory for innovative development said World Bank India Country Director Onno Ruhl. He Ruhl was in the State capital to award grants to socio-economic development enterprises.
India Development Marketplace (DM) funded by the World Bank Group (WBG) has granted over Rs 4 crore in the development projects in the state while has invested over Rs 11 crore in MP, Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand. While talking to the media persons here on Wednesday, Ruhl said that people think that it is a challenge to work with all the Governments. It is easy to say that money has been allotted and now invest them in different development projects but we need to work hand in hand with the Governments.
While talking about the grants, Ruhl said that the call for proposals was launched in January and received nearly 200 proposals from organisations already operating in these three States, as well as from across the country.
These organisations have developed business models to expand access to basic services such as livelihood and employment, education, women and child welfare, agriculture,
energy, healthcare and financial services. Ruhl further said that of the 20 selected enterprises in 2013, over 40 per cent demonstrate innovative business models to support and empower women living in low-income States. Other enterprises recognised include initiatives that improve access to affordable healthcare for families; that increase the earning potential of families,while engaging in livelihoods that are supportive of improving the local
environment. World Bank DM Team leader Drew Von Glahn said that in order to accelerate the impact of these organisations, the WBG will provide capacity building support services over the next 18 months. In 2011, the DM awarded grants to 14 high performing organisations in Rajasthan, Odisha and Bihar.
Through the provision of capacity building services, the WBG has been able to assist in their organisational development, added Glahn.