CII's meet in Agra to begin on June 3

To build a vision among government and corporate bodies for the development of Agra, the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) is organising a two-day conclave in the city, in association with the central government and the US Agency for International Development, called "Agenda for Growth & Renewal of Agra".

The conclave, to begin on June 3 at the Hotel Jaypee Palace, Agra, is expected to be attended by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav, who will address the valedictory session on June 4.

A recent study by the CII says Agra's backwardness in infrastructure and industry is due to lack of will among government and private agencies to create a common vision and consensus on the development of the town.

As a result, the town has grown in an unplanned manner, with one developmental project virtually negating the effect of the other.

According to Deepak Malik, chairman, CII, Western UP Council, the conclave aims to build a common vision of development of Agra, leading to the building of a strategic development framework for the city, within which different government agencies would channel their efforts to maximise benefits through the coherence of their efforts.

According to Mr. Malik, the Conclave shall provide a forum for new ideas for the town's development to motivate citizens, government and private enterprise alike, that a change was indeed possible for Agra and that such changes were already taking place in other parts of the country.

He said that while the first day of the conclave shall be dedicated to discussions on various problems facing this town, including the lack of quality infrastructure and city development strategy, the second day shall set the "Development Agenda" for the town, outlining the priorities before the town planners.

Besides, he said, it is anticipated that the conclave shall also help in the formation of a Steering Committee to take the City Development Strategy process forward.