WE THE PEOPLE
SDA is charged with execution of works without tenders and non-realization of rent worth crores of rupees
Hence people demand probe and urge Govt to improve its internal mechanism to Safeguard State interests
By: Uzair Khan
Srinagar: It may be stated that ‘Srinagar Development Authority’ was established with the objective of promoting and securing development of local area of Srinagar city in accordance with the approved Master Plans. To achieve the objectives, the Authority stands vested with powers to acquire, hold, manage and dispose of land and other property and carryout building and engineering operations. A review of the functioning of the Authority during 2003-08 has revealed that though it succeeded in generating substantial internal resources, the main objectives were not achieved fully due to non-implementation of Master Plans. Although the Authority pulled up the arrears in its accounts to a large extent, it is yet to appoint auditors to certify these accounts for submission to the State Legislature.
But it is quite startling to learn that works costing Rs. 1.22 crore stand executed by the Authority during 2004-08 without invitation of tenders, which stands done in utter violation of rules. It has also come to light that National Slum Development Project (NSDP) funds amounting to Rs. 2.43 crore stand spent in contravention of scheme guidelines. Subsidy for construction of dwelling units under VAMBAY stand allowed to non-deserving beneficiaries. Besides lack of internal control and monitoring mechanism has resulted in non-realization of Rs. 7.48 crore on account of premia and rent of built-up assets.
It needs to be mentioned that the Authority receives funds from the State and also from the central Government for Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS). In addition, revenue is generated by the Authority through internal resources like premia and rent of shops and other built-up asserts etc.
Although there has been a significant increase in revenue generation from internal resources during the five years period 2003-08, yet utilization of available funds during 2003-08 has ranged between 34 and 48 per cent only, indicating poor financial management. The Authority had, obviously not been able to utilize the available funds either due to non-implementation of projects or delayed/non-execution of city projects/works.
It is strange that the reason for poor utilization of resources stands attributed by the concerned FA&CAO to release of funds at the fag end of the year and non-feasibility of projects, but this is not acceptable as the unspent balance/opening balance far exceeded the actual release by the GOI/State during 2003-08.
The Authority, in terms of the J&K Development Act, is required to prepare its annual accounts and have them certified by an auditor appointed by the Government. The certified accounts, along with the Report thereon, are to be presented to the State Legislature. Mention to this effect had been made in the CAG’s Report of 1998-99 about non-preparation of accounts and non-submission thereof to the Government. The Authority has succeeded in pulling up the arrears in accounts from 1981-82 to 1998-99 during 1998-2007. As of June 2008, the accounts for the years 1999-2000 to 2005-06 have been complied but are still pending certification. The accounts for the years 2006-07 and 2007-08 are yet to be prepared. This reflects quite adversely on the working mechanism of the SDA.
Hence people demand probe and urge Govt to improve its internal mechanism to Safeguard State interests.
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