Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, July 14: Minister for Relief & Rehabilitation, Law and Parliamentary Affairs, Syed Basharat Bukhari today convened a high level meeting to review the progress of State Disaster Relief Fund (SDRF).
Commissioner Secretary Relief and Rehabilitation, Dheeraj Kumar Gupta and other senior officers of the department were present in the meeting.
The meeting discussed threadbare various issues related to utilization certificates of the funds released under SDRF.
The meeting was informed that Rs 1079.36 crore have been released under SDRF during 2014-15 in favour of Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Jammu and other departments. Of this, utilization certificates have been submitted to only for Rs 556.92 crore so far.
Taking serious note of the laxity, the Minister directed the Divisional Commissioners and other line departments to furnish utilization certificates of the remaining Rs 522.44 crore on the prescribed format within week’s time. He also asked the concerned departments to take up the matter with the Finance Department regarding revalidation of unspent amount.
In another meeting, Mr. Bukhari reviewed the preparedness in view of current monsoon and incessant rains. He emphasized for establishing of State Disaster Office with capacity to monitor and to cater any exigency and to be well equipped with boats, tents, blankets, dewatering pumps etc.
Among others, Director Finance (R&RD) and other concerned officers were present in the meeting.
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