June 21, 2004—The Bank’s New Delhi office recently held its first Development Marketplace, with the theme of improving services to rural communities. World Bank President Jim Wolfensohn mentioned it as one of the signal achievements for the institution over the past year.
 | | IDM Finalists with President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam (in suit) |
Finalists from among 1,500 contenders drawn from all over India came head to head at the Development Marketplace in Delhi before an excited audience. The day ended with a rousing speech from none other than the country’s president, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. “I am delighted to participate in the inauguration of the India Country – Level Development Marketplace organized by the World Bank,” said President Kalam. “My interest in participating arises from the focus of the program, which encourages ideas for sustainable rural development in India,” he said. This was the first visit by an Indian President to the Bank’s offices since the organization began its operations in India in 1949. His speech is available here. The theme of the India Development Marketplace: "Improve Rural Services, Access and Quality in Rural Water Supply and Sanitation, Health, Education, Roads, Finance and Electricity." Twenty proposals were selected from about 1,500 entries to share US$400,000 in seed money to fund innovative ideas focused on rural development.  | | India Country Director Michael Carter (left) and South Asia Vice President Praful Patel (right) escort the President of India to the IDM |
“There are proposals to empower young girls as champions of hygiene, health, and nutrition,” said Praful Patel, the Vice President for South Asia. “And there are proposals to deliver better education in rural areas using participatory theatre, information networks, and community partnerships. What these and many other excellent ideas have in common is that they aim to make services work for poor people.” Patel announced the winners after the day-long event, attended by some 350 visitors despite the mercury pushing 40 degrees Celsius. Fifty finalists pitched their plans to a 16-member jury representing national and international organizations, as well as governmental and non-governmental agencies. As expected, the winners were thrilled to be chosen. “The Development Marketplace was a unique opportunity for fusing the innovative minds of people from various corners of India,” said winner Terry Thomas, from Planet Kerala. “It was an excellent learning platform where similar ‘development mindsets’ could synergize their thinking.”
The event provided a singular way to reward innovation. “This has been a great opportunity to meet creative people and innovators from all over the country,” said Mr. Prashant K. Das, from Lokshakti, whose winning proposal was community-level marketing of primary healthcare services.
 | | Jurors had their work cut out for them to decide which proposals should be funded. |
Proposals poured in from all over the country - from NGOs, community-based organizations, foundations, academic institutions, civic organizations and the private sector, in partnership with registered NGOs, foundations, associations and other development organizations. The finalists were picked after a rigorous selection process. Jurors had their work cut out for them to decide which proposals should be funded.
"I think this is a great initiative,” said juror Suresh Keswani, a Member of the Congress Party and former Member of Parliament. “The World Bank has reached parts of society that can really make a difference to development, but which often get neglected."
A festive atmosphere prevailed through the day at the Marketplace. Indian folk dancers and music highlighted the rural theme. They provided a welcome respite to the finalists who were allotted stalls at the World Bank’s Delhi offices to exhibit details of their respective organization and proposals, and answer questions from visitors. The Knowledge Forum session focused on the role of the private sector in rural development, and was well attended.
An integral part of the event’s success was partnering with a diverse group of contributors. Some participated as assessors, while the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry hosted a grand Knowledge Forum that engaged various development community leaders to share their experiences around the theme. The Forum created value for all and enhanced the event’s inclusiveness. It also provided networking opportunities among social entrepreneurs. The Times Foundation, a part of The Times Group (the largest and most professionally managed media conglomerate in India) helped spread the word about the competition, and the event itself. All of the assessors and jurors noted the passion and commitment of finalists as well as the high degree of innovation in the proposals.  | | Indian folk dancers and music highlighted the rural theme. |
“The India Marketplace, just as the global event, underscores the Bank’s belief that solutions to development challenges can have small beginnings, and are often found by those living closest to the problem,” said Michael Carter, Country Director for India. “It is rare to see so many good ideas in one place, and such a group of extremely dedicated people. For us, all of the projects presented here are winners.”
The Development Marketplace is a global initiative that promotes innovative development ideas through early stage seed funding. It links social entrepreneurs with poverty fighting ideas to partners with resources to help implement their vision. The India Development Marketplace, which took place on June 21, 2004, was organized by the Bank in partnership with International Finance Corporation (IFC), UK Department for International Development (DFID), World Health Organization (WHO), Microsoft, Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), Times Foundation, Infrastructure Leasing and Financial Services (IL&FS), Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Ford Foundation, Usha Martin, Ballarpur Industries Limited (BILT), Apollo Tyres Limited and with support from Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM). The World Bank provided US$200,000 and the rest of the money came from partners.
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