Non-utilisation of funds a big problem, says CM

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala has been facing a piquant situation over the years with non-utilisation of funds allotted for Centrally-sponsored schemes, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy has warned. Only an efficient and time-bound approach can reverse the trend, he added. Inaugurating a state-level workshop for sensitisation of common guidelines for the Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP) in the state here on Tuesday, the Chief Minister said that unlike in the past, allocation of necessary funds from the Centre to the state is not at all a problem now. “The Planning Board and the Centre are now sanctioning funds liberally to the full-extent as demanded by the state. But evaluation of  utilisation of funds is posing problems for us. The comments passed by the Centre on the tardy progress in the utilisation of funds allotted for the Kuttanad package cannot be revealed as it would be a shame to the state,” Chandy said. The Chief Minister pointed out that out of  the ` 121 crore sanctioned for the state for  taking up watershed management schemes last year, a mere ` 19.6 crore was spent. The Centre has accepted in principle to extend the duration of the schemes by one year, he said and added that a state-level expenditure committee will be held here on May 19, after which, committed expenditure, pending bills and dues of beneficiaries under the scheme will be cleared on a war-footing.  “It is true that though the IWMP is a good programme, adequate support was not extended to it. Watershed management schemes are very important for the long-term interests of the State. Only through a firm commitment of  various departments and other stake-holders, including beneficiary farmers, it could be achieved. A successful course for the project depends on the involvement of people’s representatives and ryots,” the Chief Minister said.