Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, June 09 2009:
A scheme worth Rs 113.85 lakh mean for the taking up welfare programmes for the fishermen of the state remained un-utilized even though Centre has accorded sanction some part of its share from the National Welfare Fund, a source informed Hueiyen Lanpao today.
The welfare scheme for the fishermen is to be implemented with 75% Central fund with 25% share of the state government.
A total amount of Rs 113.85 lakh has been released by the Centre from National Welfare Fund but the same amount could not be utilized as state government is yet sanction its 25% share, the source said.
Central government has sanctioned Rs 22.16 lakhs out of Rs 85.38 lakh first installment for the implementation of the scheme.
However, state government is yet to sanction its share amounting to Rs 28.46 lakhs apart from not giving permission for encashment of the sanctioned Central share to the implementing agency, state fisheries department.
Failure on the part of the government to issue encashment permission, the state fisheries department could not submit utilization certificate for seeking sanction of the second installment of the scheme even though the timing for seeking fund for the year fiscal year 2009-10 for the scheme come up, the source disclosed.
Under the scheme, 220 low cost houses and 11 tube wells are to be constructed under the scheme during the financial year 2008-09 out of total of 621, 31 community tanks and two community halls to be constructed across the three districts of the state under the scheme.
Apart from this, a Credit Co-operative Society is also to be established for the fishermen of the Arong Nongmaikhong in Bishnupur district under the scheme.