Utilize allocated budget by December: Haq to officers

Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Sept 30: Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Abdul Haq today directed officers of the department to utilize allocated budget under different schemes by December this year.
While taking a micro level review of developmental works in districts including Srinagar, Budgam and Ganderbal, the Minister said that actual working season in the Valley is up to December, since last quarter of year in the Valley witnesses harsh winter due to which works remain suspended.
He asked the concerned officers to ensure completion of targeted works of the year by December. He said that if any funds lapse, the officers concerned will have to take the responsibility and face action. “I will reward officers and every employee’s performance will be reviewed,” he said.
The Minister asked officers to prioritize works that are related to floods. He also asked them to create assets under MGNREGA. “Create some useful sustainable assets in villages under MGNREGA,” Khan added.
The Minister informed that three villages of the State will be adopted by New Zealand. “The New Zealand Government has appreciated the concept of ‘My Village My World’ and have shown interest in facilitating development of the villages on international standards,” he said.
Earlier, while reviewing developmental works in the three districts, the Minister was informed that 60% of funds have been utilized under MGNREGA   in three districts including Srinagar, Budgam and Ganderbal.
It was given out in the meeting that 1363 works have been completed out of total 3479 works taken up this year. Besides 96234 job cards have been issued in the districts.
Under IAY, 62% of the allocated budget has been utilized. Out of total budget of Rs 1.53 crore, Rs 0.95 crore have been spent. The Minister was informed that 642 houses have been completed out of total 1086 houses taken up for construction this year.
The meeting was attended by Director Rural Development Tasaduq Jeelani, Director Sanitation, Showkat Ahmad Beigh, Mission Director Umeed Arun Manhas, ADDC Srinagar Aijaz, ADC Budgam MA Qadri, Director Panchayati Raj and Assistant Director Planning, Abdul Basit.