Ishtiyaq Ahmad
Early Times Report
Srinagar, July 7: Expressing concern over slow pace of works, the Governor-led administration is all set to act against officials for creating hindrances in execution of development works in Jammu and Kashmir.
An official document reveals that in a meeting it was pointed out that bills are not being furnished, which was viewed seriously and administrative secretaries were requested to own up these works.
In the meeting, the document says that dismal performance under PMDP was also viewed seriously and departments were advised to identify and remove bottlenecks so that works under PMDP are executed on time.
Crores of funds get lapsed annually in the state due to non-utilisation of funds in a scheduled time. The departmental heads have been directed several times in the past for timely utilisation of funds.
Despite that developmental works get affected due to lack of funds or lackadaisical approach of authorities.
The document reveals that Advisors to Governor, Chief Secretary, Principal Secretary to Finance Department in May this year held a meeting with administrative secretaries.
"Principal Secretary expressed concern regarding the pace of expenditure during first month of the current financial, primarily due to Model Code of Conduct. He emphasized the need to catch up with the lost time," the document reveals.
In the meeting, the Advisors directed all the administrative secretaries and deputy commissioners to point out "issues faced by them" in execution of the works in a time-bound manner.
The Chief Secretary directed the deputy commissioners to identify causes of delay in the works in consultation with all the departments and resolve problems.
"All the Advisors stated that allotment of works on nomination was highly undesirable. Principal Secretary Finance stated that such practice defeats the purpose of actual discovery of price and is against norms and canons of financial propriety and should be strictly avoided," the document reads.
An official privy to the meeting said that it was also decided to take tough action against those officials who create hindrances in execution of works.
"The Governor's office has sought details about developmental works in the state. The concerned authorities have been directed to submit a report why several works are pending since years," the official said.
The official said Chief Secretary has also been told by the Governor to monitor the developmental works of the state. |