Amount meant for govt-aided hostels in Yavatmal lapses

The amount of Rs 3.44 crore released by the Maharashtra Government to the District Social Welfare Office of Yavatmal Zilla Parishad in March, to be disbursed to 175 government-aided hostels, lapsed, sources said.
The district administration had demanded the money for grant to the Government aided hostels, but after it was released, it was not withdrawn by the district officials. As a result, it reverted to the Government, officials said.
The matter came to light when State Social Welfare Commissioner held a review meeting in Pune recently.
Yavatmal District Social Welfare Officer Jaya Raut said the amount could not be withdrawn in time because of the slow internet connectivity on that day.

"There are 175 students hostels under our jurisdiction, most of them run by NGOs," she said, adding that over 6,000 students are enrolled in these hostels.
"The amount has gone back and we have received Rs one crore afresh for the fiscal year 2016-17 from the Govt and we have started distributing the same to the hostel managements," Raut said.
She admitted that a show-cause notice was issued by the Social Justice Commissioner in this regard, and added that the district office had given a due reply.