In the last decade, one good thing that has happpend in the PPP is that it has become viable. Earlier, about a decade back, there was no viability for PPP, and therefore there were no takers. Today, a lot of thinking goes into a project before it is thrown in the market.

But as far as the evaluation of PPPs goes, in awarding, it is same as that of a construction project. I have personally participated in evaluation process. You cannot evaluate four business plans in a couple of hours.

Another good thing that has happened today is, government is bringing consultants on the table. 

This is the time for consolidation, as more and more projcets under education and healthcare are going to come up under PPP. Therefore it is proper to take a holistic approach, and also take stock of the situation and then move forward.

PPP is the only answer to eGovernance. It addresses the change of mindset in the government. While we are talking about the change of mindset from the government’s side, we should make sure that the industry does not fall prey to its own greed. The industry should see the opportunity in eGovernance as a means to an end and not the end itself.  It should shoulder its responsibility properly while selecting a project and implementing it by rising beyond its greed.

It is a way to institutionalise and champion the process.

Another critical point in PPP is the choice of the right player. We can't put a standard idea and allow companies to participate. We allow a consortium, but let me tel you it will not bring any value addition to the project. Also for the qualification criteria, we don't question the bidder.

  (Sudhir Aggarwal is Senior VP, Head Government Initiatives, Sify)