A high level committee has suggested a larger role for private sector in infrastructure sector. It has also recommended big reforms in power sector projecting an investment of 34 per cent of Gross Domestic Production, GDP. Talking to media persons in New Delhi today, chairman of the committee Mr Deepak Parekh said that he has estimated investment of more than 51 lakh crores rupees in infrastructure sector during the 12th five year plan. Out of this, private sector is expected to contribute about 47 per cent. He said in the 11th plan private sector's participation was 37 per cent.

The high-level committee on financing of infrastructure, which submitted its interim report to the Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh today, suggested the modernisation and efficient commercial operationalisation of Power distribution companies. It said this move will attract more private investment in the Power sector.

The panel also pitched for 100 per cent foreign direct investment (FDI) in the telecom sector. The limit at present is 74 per cent. The report said that average percentage of GDP in investment in infrastructure is expected to 9.14 per cent, which was 7.22 per cent during the 11th plan. Mr Parekh said, besides electicity, roads and bridges ,telecommunications and railway are the key infrastructure sectors .