Understanding the Kelkar Committee 2015 and its Focus

The question asks about the primary focus of the Kelkar Committee formed in 2015. This committee was specifically constituted to examine the framework surrounding infrastructure development in India, particularly focusing on the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.

The Role of the Kelkar Committee 2015

The Kelkar Committee, headed by Dr. Vijay Kelkar, was set up by the Ministry of Finance in India. Its main objective was to review the current state of the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model in India, identify the challenges it faced, and recommend measures to revitalize it. The committee submitted its report in November 2015.

Focusing on the PPP Model

The core mandate of the Kelkar Committee 2015 was directly related to the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. This model involves collaboration between government entities and private companies to finance, build, and operate infrastructure projects. While PPPs were seen as crucial for bridging the infrastructure gap in India, they encountered various hurdles over time, leading to the need for a comprehensive review by the committee.

The committee's report highlighted key issues such as inappropriate risk sharing, inadequate institutional capacity, and disputes in contracts. It proposed reforms to make the PPP framework more effective and attractive for private investment in infrastructure projects.

Analysing the Options

Let's look at the given options in the context of the Kelkar Committee 2015:

• calculation of GDP: Committees related to GDP calculation, like those revising methodology, exist but are not linked to the Kelkar Committee 2015.
• fixation of poverty line: Various committees, such as the Tendulkar Committee or the Rangarajan Committee, have dealt with poverty estimation in India. The Kelkar Committee 2015 was not related to this topic.
• merger of banks: Committees might be formed to look into banking reforms or consolidation, but the Kelkar Committee 2015's focus was on infrastructure and PPPs, not banking sector mergers.
• PPP model of infrastructure development: As discussed, the Kelkar Committee 2015 was explicitly tasked with reviewing and recommending improvements for the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model used in infrastructure development. This aligns perfectly with the committee's purpose.

Conclusion

Based on the historical context and the mandate given to the committee, the Kelkar Committee 2015 was primarily concerned with the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model for infrastructure development in India.

Revision Table: Key Points about Kelkar Committee 2015

• Committee Head: Dr. Vijay Kelkar
• Year Formed: 2015
• Constituted by: Ministry of Finance, Government of India
• Main Task: Review of the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model in infrastructure development.
• Objective: Identify challenges and propose solutions to revitalize the PPP framework.
• Report Submission: November 2015

Additional Information: Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Model

The Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model is a long-term contract between a public entity and a private entity for the provision of a public asset or service. Key features include:

• Risk Sharing: Risks associated with the project are allocated between the public and private partners.
• Pooling Resources: Combines public sector resources (land, approvals) with private sector expertise and capital.
• Focus on Service Delivery: Often involves the private sector operating the asset and delivering services to the public, with payment linked to performance.
• Examples: Toll roads, bridges, power plants, ports, airports, public transport systems.

The Kelkar Committee 2015 aimed to address issues that hindered the effective implementation and success of PPPs in the Indian infrastructure sector, suggesting policy and institutional changes to improve confidence and investment.