J-K Govt fails to utilise 25 pc of funds for central schemes

Government's efficiency in spending the funds under centrally-sponsored schemes questioned

Jammu and Kashmir Government on Friday acknowledged that it could not utilise 25 per cent of the funds received under various centrally-sponsored schemes during the last financial year , but said the funds have not lapsed and are being used this fiscal after revalidation.

"At the end of 2012-13, out of total availability of central share of Rs 4703.31 crore, an amount of Rs 1150.55 crore has remained unutilised under different centrally sponsored schemes," Planning Minister Ajay Sadhotra said in the state assembly.

Replying to a question of CPI(M) MLA M Y Tarigami, the Minister said the funds under the centrally-sponsored schemes did not lapse as the unspent balances at the end of the financial year got revalidated by the departments concerned in the following year for its utilisation.

"The same (unspent funds) are now being utilised by the departments in the current year after revalidation," he said.

Tarigami had questioned the efficiency of the government in spending the funds under centrally-sponsored schemes.

Sadhotra said the non-utilisation of funds was due to delay in release from the Centre.

"Funds are released late. Naturally, the spending will also be late. In some projects, funds are not released at all," he said.

The Minister said the decisions taken at District Development Board meetings are implemented promptly "as far as possible".

"However, the decisions involving policy matters and having huge financial implications are critically examined by the administrative departments concerned and, if found technically feasible, implemented in a phased manner, subject to availability of resources," he added.

As several members wanted to ask supplementary questions, Speaker Mubarak Gul said a separate discussion on the matter will be conducted during the ongoing session.