The persistent challenge of underutilisation of developmental funds has once again come to the fore in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, with more than Rs 152 crore lying unspent under five major centrally sponsored rural development schemes. Despite the Union Government’s consistent efforts to bolster rural infrastructure and livelihoods through flagship schemes like MGNREGS, PMAY-G, PMGSY and NRLM, the translation of policy intent into tangible grassroots outcomes continues to face systemic hurdles. This not only delays development but also undermines public trust in governance. These unutilised funds had the potential to transform the lives of countless families. For many, even a single rupee holds immense value – and Rs 152 crore is a life-changing sum for those who need it most. Additionally, the UT of Ladakh too reflects similar inefficiencies.
This underutilisation is particularly concerning considering the socio-economic profile of Jammu and Kashmir, where a large portion of the population resides in rural and remote areas, many of which remain underserved in terms of infrastructure, employment, and basic amenities. These schemes are not mere fiscal instruments but lifelines for millions. PMGSY, for instance, is crucial for connecting isolated villages, thereby unlocking opportunities in education, healthcare, and markets. Similarly, PMAY-G directly addresses rural housing shortages, while NRLM and MGNREGS are instrumental in poverty alleviation and employment generation.
The root causes of this underutilisation are manifold. Administrative inefficiencies, procedural delays, poor inter-departmental coordination and inadequate manpower in implementation units contribute to this situation. Additionally, delays in the submission of utilisation certificates, compliance with guidelines, and finalisation of project plans often stall fund disbursement and utilisation. Despite implementing the Single Nodal Agency model and end-to-end transaction-based MIS, the funds remain unutilised. Moreover, there appears to be a disconnect between fund availability and actual execution capacity at the district and block levels. The creation and operationalisation of Programme Management Units as envisaged by the Union Ministry remain suboptimal. Without trained manpower and accountability frameworks, even the most robust funding structures will flounder.
To address this gap, a multi-pronged corrective strategy is imperative. Capacity building at the grassroots level is crucial. Training local administrative bodies, especially Panchayati Raj Institutions, and strengthening the workforce of rural development departments should be a priority. These bodies are closest to the beneficiaries and are best positioned to understand local needs and challenges. Simultaneously, there must be a robust monitoring mechanism to track fund flow and project implementation in real-time. The digital MIS infrastructure should be utilised not just for compliance but also for actionable insights, enabling timely interventions and course corrections. Accountability must be enforced through periodic audits and performance-linked evaluations of implementing agencies.
Most importantly, the culture of bureaucratic red tape must give way to proactive governance. The DDCs and BDOs must take ownership of these schemes and ensure that procedural bottlenecks are eliminated. Incentivising performance and ensuring penalties for undue delays could help create a results-orientated approach. There is a need for better community engagement. Empowering Gram Sabhas to participate in the planning and monitoring of projects will lead to more responsive and effective implementation. Public awareness campaigns can also help beneficiaries understand their entitlements and demand accountability from local bodies.
Practically, political will and administrative commitment must work in tandem. The UT Government must establish a focused task force to address the backlog in fund utilisation. A quarterly review system with clearly defined goals and escalation procedures could significantly enhance performance. The underutilisation of over Rs 152 crore in rural development schemes is not just a fiscal concern but a missed opportunity for transformation in Jammu and Kashmir’s rural heartlands. While the allocation of funds by the Union Ministry reflects a strong commitment to rural upliftment, it is now up to the UT administration to match this intent with action on the ground.
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