In response to the slow progress in the physical verification of various projects, the Government has issued directives to the Planning, Development and Monitoring Department to ensure the speedy completion of this verification process for over 16,000 projects. The fact that only 5.75 percent of the works have been verified is indeed a serious concern. With various Panchayati Raj Institution (PRI) elections on the horizon and the impending enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC), the administration faces a unique challenge. Once the MCC is in effect, it becomes impossible to call for further tenders, complicating the situation further. It’s essential to acknowledge that rules and regulations must be adhered to without exception. The fact that a significant majority of the 16,000 projects still need to undergo physical verification raises questions about the efficiency of various Government Departments. Clear instructions for such inspections have been provided by the administration in the past, so it’s important to investigate why simultaneous phased inspections were not carried out as directed. This investigation is necessary to pinpoint the responsibility within different offices. The Government has laid out a roadmap for these works, emphasising the use of various online portals for every aspect, from project proposals to payments. The shift to online processes was implemented to enhance transparency and accountability within the work culture of the UT. However, despite these online checks and balances, it is evident that departments are repeatedly falling short in implementing the required procedures.
In light of these issues, the administration must take immediate action to address the backlog of physical verifications and inspections. Ensuring compliance with established protocols and conducting investigations to hold responsible parties accountable will be crucial in rectifying this situation and upholding the principles of transparency and accountability in the Government operations.
Another crucial aspect that demands serious consideration is the non-utilisation of funds. Centrally sponsored schemes and PMDP release the next instalment of funds after receiving the utilisation certificate from the respective departments. It is concerning that many departments still have significant unutilized funds at their disposal. The completion of codal formalities is imperative and departments must understand that there are no shortcuts to following these established procedures. In light of the explicit instructions provided, it is essential to seek proper explanations from the relevant officials, as various departments are still encountering difficulties in adhering to the established procedures. The administration has granted them sufficient time to put the directives into effect. The most significant casualties of these delays, along with unutilized funds and withheld instalments, can be the welfare schemes for the underprivileged and the timely implementation of essential infrastructure projects. For officials, a kilometre of road, a bridge, or a school room might not seem significant, but these are necessities for those who have been waiting for years for them to become a reality.
In the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, there are 13 ongoing PMDP projects, along with various other NABARD projects. It’s imperative that implementing agencies fully comprehend the consequences of any laxity on their part. Unnecessary delays not only affect the financial aspects but also result in projects taking much longer to be completed, potentially causing inconvenience to the beneficiaries and hindering overall development in the region.
Efficiency and strict adherence to project management and financial procedures are essential to ensuring that these important projects are completed on time and within the allocated budget. This not only saves costs but also ensures that the intended benefits reach people on time. There is still some time before the MCC comes into effect, and the administration has rightly set a goal for officials to take the necessary actions within the defined timeline. Therefore, all stakeholders must prioritise these aspects and work diligently to avoid any unnecessary delays or cost overruns in the execution of these vital projects.
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