There is delay at the level of the Planning Commission for approval to the annual plan for the State. This is not a new practice. Previously also there have been inordinate delays in the finalization of annual plan. Ours is not the only State that is faced with delay. Of course there has been some difference of opinion on the level of amount demanded by the State Government and the amount earmarked by the Planning Commission. In order to overcome this divergent view, the Chief Minister has been seeking the intervention of the Prime Minister. He is likely to hold a meeting with the Vice Chairman of Planning Commission soon.
However, the State Government has done the right thing to raise the allocation of 25 per cent for a quarter period budget to 50 per cent for District Development Boards. From April 1 to 30 June, the DDB could spend only 25 per cent of the allocated budget. But under revised order they will be authorized to spend up to 50 per cent meaning half of he budget till end of September 220113. The Government took the decision in time because it is not sure when the Planning Commission will approve the budget for the state. The result of this measure is that the developmental works taken in hand or to be taken in hand now will not be hampered for want of funds. Delaying the approval of annual planning allocation has not to be considered as discrimination against the State. As indicated above, it is a phenomenon that usually shapes when annual plan budget is framed.
The essential thing is that developmental work should not suffer for want of funds. The Chief Minister feels confident that as a result of his talks with the Prime Minister, the Planning Commission is disposed to consider the needs of J&K objectively. The State Government appears to be confident that it would get 10 per cent step-up over last year’s approved plan to get Rs 8050 crore this year.
Keeping in view the goodwill of Planning Commission and the Prime Minister and the relentless efforts of Chief Minister, we hope that our State will have no financial problems in moving forward along the path of development. All pending projects should now be completed within the stipulated time and new projects also should be launched. Fortunately, the law and order situation in the State has improved and the environment is conducive for carrying on developmental works in full speed. District Development Boards and District Commissioners will naturally feel encouraged to carry on work on on-going projects without a break. However it needs to be added that the State has faltered in implementing some of the special projects floated by the Centre like Prime Minister’s Rural Development schemes. There can be no excuse in delaying those schemes because they are meant for specific purposes. The Centre has already advised the State to see to it that centrally sponsored developmental schemes are executed within stipulated time.
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