Uttarakhand announces fortnight monitoring of central schemes

A series of alleged scandals that took place during the former BJP government has prompted the new Congress government to announce plans for a fortnightly monitor of all the flagship programmes of the central government.

“We have decided to review all the flagship programmes of the central government after a gap of every fortnight,” state finance minister Indira Hridayesh said on Wednesday.

In a bid to avoid lapses, the government would “rigorously oversee” all these programmes where the central funding is “very heavy”. These programmes are in sectors like education and urban development, she revealed.

During the previous BJP government, central schemes like NREGA had come under scanner.

The minister also said she had reviewed the financial situation of the hill state during the past two days, and claimed that the state’s infrastructure — like roads and bridges — was in “very bad shape”. Nevertheless, “we have to carry our development programmes and fulfil election promises” she said. “We can say confidently that money will not be a constraint in our approach.”

Hridayesh lamented that the former BJP government failed to spent funds allocated through the 13th finance commission. “Most of the money of 13th finance commission has not been spent,” she said. “We will have only two years time to complete all these projects.”

Contrary to her statement yeterday, which spoke of plans to fill up only essential government posts, Hridayesh said the government would create more jobs for the unemployed youth.

With chief minister Vijay Bahuguna expressing concern over the state’s financial sickness, the finance minister said the government would generate more revenue through taxes without burdening the common man.

Hridayesh also called for streamlining the burgeoning non-plan expenditures. “For increasing our revenue, we need an action plan and able financial management,” she emphasised.

Stating that revenue deficit can also be brought down by certain steps, the minister said the government can increase its revenue through VAT, entry tax and other taxes in sectors like power and forests.