No lapse of fund should occur, slow pace of development work to be viewed seriously-Cheema

Chandigarh, October 19

Punjab Finance, Planning, Excise and Taxation Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema on Wednesday directed all the departments to ensure timely utilisation of all the funds provided for various development projects and welfare schemes so that the overall development of the state can be accelerated. He said that the issue of lapsed funds due to slow pace of development works or delay in the delivery of the welfare schemes would be considered seriously.

The Finance Minister gave these directions while holding department wise review meetings with Health and Family Welfare, Local Government, Transport and Water Resources Department here at Vit Te Yojna Bhawan. The Finance Minister reviewed the current status of usage of funds provided to these departments as per budgetary provisions and under various state and centre sponsored schemes.

During a series of high-level meetings attended by the senior officials of the Finance department, Harpal Singh Cheema asked the heads of the departments to ensure a regular review of all ongoing projects.  The Finance Minister reiterated that no stone would be left unturned to ensure speedy development and providing better amenities to the people of the state.

Finance Minister Cheema said that it was brought to his notice that most of the departments have improved their working and thereby increased the pace of development works and utilisation of funds, whereas, the performance of some departments has been unsatisfactory and they have funds worth crores waiting to be utilised. He said that the Finance department would keep a vigil eye on all departments, and he would personally hold review meeting of major departments to study the improvement in their performance.

The Finance Minister also directed the departments to disclose all active bank account details and funds on eDMS portal to ensure transparency and objectivity in public finances.

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