Universal Eligibility for World Bank Loan

In News

• The $1 billion World Bank loan to curb covid pandemic for India comes with a condition of “universal eligibility” in procurements.
• Of the 1 billion USD aid, around 550 million USD is to be credited by the IDA (International Development Association) and 220 million USD by the IBRD (International Bank of Reconstruction and Development). The final maturity amount of the loan is 18.5 years. It also includes a grace period of five years.

Universality Eligibility

• This would mean that all preferential market access policies, including Public Procurement Order, Micro Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME) Policy, certain benefits to start-ups, shall not be applicable on purchases made while implementing the national project.

Other conditions set by the World Bank:

• The World Bank would have the right to review the procurement documents, inspect/audit all accounts, records and other files relating to the project. 
• Compliance to these conditions has been made mandatory for the funding.

Impact

• This would mean that all preferential market access policies, shall not be applicable on purchases made while implementing the national project.
• The preferential market access policies includes Public Procurement (Preference to Make in India) Order, Micro Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME) Policy, certain benefits to start-ups.
• it will be a setback to the Make in India and Atmanirbhar initiative.