Srinagar, Oct 08: Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, on Thursday chaired a review meeting at the Civil Secretariat, Srinagar, to assess the status of funds released under various schemes across the three departments.
The meeting also reviewed the district-wise and constituency-wise allocation and utilisation of funds, besides taking stock of the physical and financial progress of ongoing works.
The meeting was attended by Director Tribal Affairs, Director Tribal Research Institute, Directors Finance and Directors Planning & Statistics of the Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs Departments, besides other senior officers.
The Minister reviewed the status of releases, expenditure and progress of works under each scheme, including newly sanctioned schemes.
Speaking on the occasion, the Minister stressed that the funds available with the departments must translate into visible development works on the ground. He directed the officers to expedite the execution of all ongoing schemes, furnish the status of new schemes and take them up for execution without delay.
Maintaining that delays in implementation and shortfalls in fund utilisation must be addressed promptly, the Minister directed the officers to identify the bottlenecks and take necessary corrective measures.
He further directed that no funds should lapse and called for increasing expenditure under all heads. He also emphasised the need for a swift and time-bound tendering process to ensure that allotment and execution of works are not held up.
The Minister also asked for priority to Maintenance and Repair (M&R) works so that existing infrastructure remains functional, and for the availability of water tankers and the timely supply of materials, especially in areas facing shortages. He further directed that upgradation works be taken up and funds spent judiciously, and that machinery and equipment be made available to field formations for smooth execution of works.
Stressing quality and accountability, the Minister called for regular field inspections and a consolidated status report reconciling physical and financial progress for each district and constituency.
The Minister said the Government is committed to ensuring that the benefits of development schemes reach every constituency and that regular reviews would continue to keep the departments on track.
