Dehradun. Uttarakhand is preparing to implement the World Bank-assisted State Public Financial Management (SPFM) project to boost revenue collection and strengthen fiscal discipline in the state. A World Bank delegation met Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan on Friday and gave a detailed presentation regarding project preparations and future action plans.
World Bank representatives shared that as part of project preparations, discussions were held with various state departments and institutions involved in revenue collection, including the State Tax Department, Stamp & Registration Department, Directorate of Treasuries, Audit Department, and the Forest Development Corporation, among other state-controlled entities.
Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan instructed all revenue-earning departments to utilize the SPFM project to secure any technical, institutional, or procedural support required to boost revenue generation. He emphasized that the objective of the project is not merely to increase revenue collection, but to make the entire financial system of the state more efficient, transparent, and effective.
Focus on Digital Innovation
The Chief Secretary stated that along with revenue growth, digital innovation must be prioritized under the project. Emphasis will be placed on simplifying government services and processes through modern technology so that the public benefits directly. He directed departments to ensure timely completion of project goals through better cross-departmental coordination.
Discussions during the meeting focused on boosting the state’s revenue potential, improving financial management, and effectively using digital systems. Representatives from the World Bank shared updates on project preparations and the upcoming operational roadmap.
The meeting was attended by S. Krishnamurthy, Arvind Kumar, Anand, and Vikas from the World Bank, as well as Project Director Navneet Pandey, Additional Project Director P.C. Khare, and Bhavtosh Bhatt from project management.
