Par panel's concern over fund crunch for MEA

Expressing concern over the "serious under-resourcing" of the External Affairs Ministry, A Parliamentary panel today said it was "appalled" to know that due to budgetary constraints, it was unable to implement the decision to give USD 100 million grant to Bangladesh.
The Standing Committee on External Affairs, in its report tabled today, said there is a vast gap between the requirements and actual resources available at the disposal of the Ministry and is hindered in performing up to the expected level due to the financial constraints.
"The Committee express their serious concern at the under-resourcing of the MEA who budgetary allocation and staff strength does not commensurate with the global nature of its responsibility.

"We are distressed to note that high-level international commitment had to be kept on hold or partially implemented due to lack of budgetary support," it said.
The Committee said it was distressed to know that due to these constraints, India was unable to implement a Cabinet Committee on Security decision for USD 100 million grant to Bangladesh in pursuance of announcement made by the then Finance Minister in May 2012.
It asked the MEA to take up the issue with the CCS and recommended that payment to Bangladesh should not be delayed on accounts of budgetary constraints.

The Committee also pointed out that the three hydro power projects in Bhutan have faced serious shortage of funds and have exhausted mid-year and was facing a difficult situation in releasing salaries for its employees.

The Committee recommended that a separate head may be created to provide funds for projects committed and announced during the visits of senior dignitaries.
The Ministry recommended budgetary allocation for the Ministry to be enhanced so that it can perform its domestic and international roles.