(a) whether the World Bank Vice-President for South Asia held a series of discussions with the Central and State Governments` regarding its new country assistance strategy which has set focus on every area from poverty reduction to education and health sector;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether any policy has been finalised in this regard; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF FINANCE (P. CHIDAMBARAM)
(a) & (b): Yes, Sir. The World Bank Vice-President for South Asia Region visited India from June 16th to June 25th, 2004. He held discussions with officers of Central Ministries and Departments, as well as the Chief Ministers of Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh regarding progress of the current portfolio of the projects in respective states and sectors funded by World Bank. He also discussed future World Bank assistance under the Country Assistance Strategy proposed by World Bank for a 4-year period upto June 2008.
(c): No, Sir.
(d): Does not arise.