Sumit Sharma
Jammu, Jan 6: The mismanagement, in the Voluntarily Service Allowances (VSA) scheme launched by the J&K Government under the Policy Document on Employment titled ' Sher-e-Kashmir Employment and Welfare Programme for the Youth (SKEWPY), proves a dent on public exchequer involving Crores of rupees as the payment is being released to the beneficiaries on monthly basis for the last three years without record.
As per scheme launched from April 1st, 2010, "the VSA will be paid, on monthly basis, through the concerned District Employment and Counselling Centres, on non cash basis (through bank) which including Rs 600 per month in favour of each eligible persons who have passed matriculation, Rs 650 for those who have passed 10+2, Rs 700 for skilled, Rs 850 for additional qualification besides 12 passed persons, Rs 1000 for graduates, Rs 1200 for post graduates on monthly basis. The lists of beneficiaries shall be prepared by the respective DC offices as per requirement and furnish the same to the Tehsildars who ensures that each beneficiary renders 12 hours of voluntary service in a week and the payment shall be disbursed by Deputy Director Employment, based on the report of the work done by the concerned DC offices.
The exposure came to fore when one Deepak Sharma filed a RTI to DC office Jammu seeking list of the eligible beneficiaries of VS scheme, sent by the Deputy Director employment for the period from year 2010 to 2013, lists work furnished by VSA recipients from year 2010 to 2013. The RTI activist also sought certified copies of minutes of meetings held in this connection by the concerned officer and record maintained in this regard.
However, in reply, having NoDDCJ/CPO/13-14/10684-87, the PIO, said that though the Deputy Director Employment is regularly furnishing list of applicants under VSA to the respective Tehsildars for their deployment as specified in the guidelines, but this department has no such record, hence the same is not maintained. Further admitting , the PIO said that no meeting in this connection was held.
Earlier, Tehsildar Jammu in its reply having No JJ/PTO//RTI/13-14/141-42 categorically refused to share the details by submitting that this office does not deal with the VSA scheme. |
