Jaipur, October 2026: Rajasthan Chief Secretary V. Srinivas held a video conference with World Bank Executive Director Neelkanth Mishra to discuss ways to accelerate economic and development reforms in the state with the institution’s support.
The meeting, held at the State Secretariat, focused on cooperation in areas including tourism, urban development, water resources, investment, employment generation and industrial growth.
Srinivas said creating employment opportunities, expanding markets, promoting industrial development and attracting quality investment would be essential to making Rajasthan a modern and developed state. He stressed that economic growth should go hand in hand with environmental protection and safeguarding the interests of citizens.
Focus on Tourism and Experience-Based Travel
Mishra said Rajasthan has significant potential in the tourism sector and suggested that tourism facilities and infrastructure should be developed based on an analysis of the length of tourists’ stay and their spending patterns.
He emphasised the need to showcase Rajasthan’s handicrafts on a wider platform, promote its art and culture and expand homestay facilities. Such initiatives, he said, could help develop tourism destinations reflecting the state’s geographical and cultural diversity.
Mishra also stressed the promotion of immersive and experience-based tourism, in which visitors engage more deeply with the culture, history and everyday life of local communities rather than limiting themselves to conventional sightseeing.
He suggested using scientific analysis of tourist demand and preferences to guide the development of destinations and infrastructure. Better connectivity, convenient transportation, attractive facilities and the development of more tourism circuits could encourage visitors to explore different parts of Rajasthan.
Cooperation on Water Resources and Urban Development
The meeting also discussed the possibility of World Bank financial assistance for a project related to better utilisation of water resources under the Yamuna Water Agreement.
Srinivas said industrial development in Rajasthan should be planned while maintaining environmental balance so that economic activities do not adversely affect public health and quality of life.
He said effective plans would be prepared for modern highways, plantation activities and the conservation and promotion of biodiversity.
Mishra said demand and supply should be managed efficiently in line with the state’s development requirements. He also emphasised the need to strengthen infrastructure in view of Rajasthan’s rapid urbanisation.
The World Bank Executive Director stressed the importance of developing technically skilled human resources, strengthening skill development programmes and improving institutional capacity to support the state’s long-term growth.
World Bank Support
Mishra assured the state government that necessary recommendations would be made for World Bank financial assistance for development projects in various sectors aimed at making Rajasthan more developed and self-reliant.
The meeting was attended by Additional Chief Secretary, Environment and Climate Change Department, Anand Kumar; Additional Chief Secretary, Urban Development and Housing Department, Alok Gupta; Additional Chief Secretary, Public Works Department, Praveen Gupta; and other senior officials from concerned departments.
