Why SOPD funds not utilized?

We always feel aggrieved that the proper development of Assam has not taken place despite the availability of funds as many departments have to surrender their funds for their inability to spend it by March 31. As we go through the report published in the front page of your esteemed daily under the headline “Why SOPD funds not utilized?” we found the truth that with the fast approach of 31st March various departments of Assam are yet to utilize the funds allocated as a result the works under different departments receive a setback. In these departments spending of funds ranges from 1-5% of their total budgetary allocation. Only three departments could utilize funds satisfactorily. The departments which could utilize satisfactory funds are PWD (74 per cent), Education (54 per cent) and Health and Family Welfare (32 per cent). On the contrary, Excise department spent (2 per cent), the Environment and Forest Department, Hill Area Development (HAD) and the Department of Cooperation could utilize 3 per cent each, the Department of Cultural Affairs could utilize 4 per cent, Labour department spent 6 per cent, Guwahati Development Department spent 9 per cent, Commerce and Industries Department spent 18 per cent and PHE department spent 20 per cent. In the spending of the allocated funds, one interesting fact has come to our notice is that the Finance department raises unnecessary queries and objections which cause a delay in clearing files. It takes one month or more to compile replies to the queries of the Finance department and this factor results in the poor spending of the funds. It transpires that the departments held by the Finance Minister could spend maximum funds. Whatever might be the cause, we believe that the unnecessary queries and objections raised by the Finance department stand on the way of development of Assam. Will the power that looks into the matter?

Ashok Bordoloi,

Dibrugarh