The then TDP government had invited tenders for infrastructure development even before the World Bank loan details were finalized, said an official with the state government, requesting anonymity. Other government officials, who also did not want to be quoted, said a World Bank team that toured the proposed region marked for development from 13-17 September, 2017, found irregularities in the tender process and also that it favoured contractors. The Centre has reportedly expressed dismay over the World Bank Team inspections even before the loan was finalized, said the official. This is the first time since last week, when news broke out about World Bank withdrawing the funding, that state government officials have commented on the development. The official, however, said the World Bank was not averse to extending the same loan to the current Andhra government, should it mention its priorities.

Source: Mint July 21, 2019 09:33 UTC