The concern over the shortfall in the supply of expert project appraisers — "Infrastructure focus to fuel demand for project managers" (Business Line, November 14) — is understandable. Private professional institutions imparting knowledge on `superior practices in project management' have a role to play.

Major financial and development institutions and governments would need to spend time and resources to adequately train their middle-level officers — who appraise projects.

Indian financial institutions and governments should recruit competent experts who are able to sit in judgment on the consultants' reports to higher-level positions. It is only this that will prevent our organisations from being taken for a ride by mega project providers. Relying solely on consultants' judgement without having suitable experienced in-house personnel will not be in our interest.

S Subramanyan

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