Cites low cost requirement, low impact and non-visible outcome
Srinagar, Aug 13: A high-powered committee has decided against funding 300 projects under the Jammu and Kashmir’s ambitious program for languishing projects.
A record note of meeting chaired by Financial Commissioner Finance, Arun Kumar Mehta, a copy of which is with the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), lays bare has decided against funding or not considered for approval nearly 300 projects due to varied reasons.
The meeting of HPC was held on July 13 to discuss proposals submitted by different departments for funding under government’s initiative for funding languishing projects in Jammu & Kashmir.
According to record note of the meeting, Rural Development department had submitted a total of 129 projects for an amount of Rs 18.619 crore.
But no project was approved for funding by the HPC as they were in requirement of very less funding and as such these projects can be undertaken by way of funding through regular capex budget for completion, the note reveals.
The committee also did not consider six out of seven projects submitted by the Revenue department, reasoning these were low Impact projects and information not provided in proper format.
According to minutes of the meeting, out of 27 projects submitted by Technical Education department ,15) s were not approved due to less than Rs one crore balance cost.
Similarly, the panel also found that 142 projects amounting to Rs 521.99 crore were not satisfactory for approval due to deficiencies like Balance cost required was less than Rs 1 crore, low Impact and non- visible outcome and duplicity of funds.
The scheme to ensure completion of languishing projects was launched on September 5, 2018 when the State Administrative Council (SAC) headed by the then Governor of the erstwhile State of Jammu and Kashmir Satya Pal Malik had approved an amount of Rs 8000 crore for the completion of such projects.
