Odisha govt depts urged to regulate uneven spending

Taking serious note of the skewed expenditure pattern of different administrative departments, the finance department has asked them to come out with a working plan to ensure timely spending of Budgeted outlays for 2013-14.

The finance department has prepared a set of guidelines for utilization of Budgeted funds by the administrative departments.

According to these guidelines, topmost priority has to be given on expenditure on creation of capital assets, completion of projects, reduction in Non-Plan expenditure and cost of operation of various services.

The departments are to release funds according to a definite action plan for achieving the quantifiable physical target fixed for 2013-14. The department secretaries will review physical achievement against expenditure by 15th of every month.

The guidelines state that while releasing funds, priority should be given for programmes or schemes where expenditure is reimbursable. This can include the state government's flagship programmes like Biju KBK (Kalahandi-Bolangir-Koraput) Yojana, Gopabandhu Grameen Yojana, Biju Gram Jyoti, Biju Saharanchal Yojana, Mo Kudia, Madhubabbu Pension Yojana and Biju Setu Yojana.

While scrutinizing proposals for sanction of expenditure during 2013-14, the progress of submission of utilization certificates in respect of expenditure incurred up to the preceding month and expenditure incurred during 2012-13.

Since the expenditure pattern in the state is largely skewed and back loaded, the finance department has emphasized on even pacing of expenditure commensurate with revenue receipts. It has suggested administrative departments to formulate monthly and quarterly expenditure plans from the beginning of the year to avoid rush of expenditure towards the year-end.

Reiterating the guidelines of the Cash Management System introduced in 2010-11, the finance department has asked departments to restrict spending to 40% for the last quarter (January-March period) and 15% for the last month (March) of the fiscal.