Minister S R Patil irked by non-utilisation of development funds

Minister S R Patil irked by non-utilisation of development funds

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Nov 23, 2014: Minister of  infrastructure S R Patil,  expressed his ire over the poor  pace of progress in implementing various approved works under funds allocated to elected representatives - MPs, MLAs, and MLCs - to develop their respective constituencies. A visibly irritated minister gave the officials concerned 90-days time starting November 22,  to complete the works or face strict disciplinary action.

 

Chairing a review meeting here on november 22,  Saturday, Minister Patil sought reason for failing to implement the works even after the MLAs   and MLCs have submitted  the list of works to be undertaken.  He reviewed progress of works taken up under MP local area development fund, as well as MLA and MLCs local area development fund here was particularly unhappy about the progress made by Mangalore City Corporation in implementing works allocated to them. Noting that pendency had built up from 2010-11 up to last fiscal and this was causing severe draw backs to elected representatives; he stressed  this intolerable.

An assurance given by G V Rajashekar, executive engineer, Mangalore City Corporation that pending works will be completed within the deadline fixed by him, Patil reminded the official that his jurisdiction is lot smaller compared to ZP engineering division that had to look after works in the entire district. "It is such lethargy that erodes people’s faith in the elected representatives and you must regain their trust," Patil said.

MLA JR Lobo said that as the officials have not completed the works initiated last year,  he had not  yet given the list of works  to be taken up this year.

Deputy Commissioner A B Ibrahim observed that works of smaller amount hardly held any interest for engineering section of City Corporation that was flush with funds from various sources. "The value of money erodes due to delay," Ibrahim said, adding the minister must consider re-appropriating funds to the government treasury of such works that are delayed beyond a point. The minister however brushed aside this suggestion and gave strict instructions for deadlines to be followed.