Source: Hueiyen Editorials
Imphal, January 15 2010:
Even though hardly three months are left for the close of the current fiscal year 2009-10, as many as 40 out of 73 departments of the Manipur government could not spend above 50% of the total outlay allocated during the current year.
Seven departments are yet to spend a single paise.
Manipur government had targeted to spend 70 percent of the total annual plan outlay of 2009-10 during the first three quarter, that is, by the end of December 31, 2009 .
However, on the said dateline only 35.30 percent against the revised outlay of Rs 2020.09 crore of the year could be achieved.
Planning commission of India approved an outlay of Rs 2000 crore including Rs 610.50 crore.
The same was later revised at Rs 2020.09 crores, of which Rs 1371.87 crore was earmarked for SPA.
State planning department calculated the expenditure incurred as on December 31, 2009 at Rs 713.14 crores.
Among the 40 departments with poor expenditure of below 50%, seven are recorded with zero expenditure.
The departments were Rural Roads (PMGSY), Manipur State Rural Roads Development Agency (MSRRDA), grant in aid under Art 275(1), non-conventional Sources of Energy, Local Fund Audit (LFA), jail and National Highway Patrolling Scheme.
The official source while maintaining that PCI approved Rs 610.50 crores out of the total outlay of the state for the year 2009-10 said that only Rs 286.50 crore sanctioned leaving a balance of Rs 324 crore balance.
Most of the new projects sanctioned under SPA during the area are still in the initial stage as the new projects amounting to Rs 355.70 crore submitted to the planning commission only in October and November while projects with a total fund of Rs 106.20 crore was sanctioned by the PCI in December 31, 2009 .
Funds yet to be sanctioned for the new projects- Rs 249.50 crore including Rs 200 crore for road and Bridge and Rs 65 crore for Loktak Development Authority has been moved by the state planning department for authorization to finance department for sanction on January 2 .
State has also sought clearance for all the new projects furnished by the state planning department, the source added.
Giving special attention to ensure maximum utilization of the fund, government has warned that funds for departments who failed to utilize less than 50% by January 20 will be diverted for some priority projects.
Departments should get earmarked funds released from concerned ministries by submission of required DPR/UC and PR etc.
etc., department implementing SPA projects should make necessary arrangement for getting sanction from finance department.
If necessary clearance of PIB should be obtained immediately, government asked.
Finance department has also been asked to make arrangement for clearance within one week from the date of receipt of proposal, the source added.