WE THE PEOPLE
Non-utilization of Funds due to Non-preparation of Perspective Plans reflects adversely on SWD
Hence People urge concerned Ministry to pull up Social Welfare officials to implement Schemes without fail
By: Shirjeel/M Altaf
Srinagar: In our first Part, we have stated that the Social Welfare Department is responsible for implementation of various developmental schemes, especially those relating to women, children, SC/ST/OBC population and social justice empowerment. The scrutiny of the records by the audit of the Department has brought out glaring gaps in planning, financial management and programme management. Due to non-availability of baseline data and non-disbursement of assistance to the beneficiaries in time, the unspent balances have increased over a period of time.
It may be mentioned that the Social Welfare Schemes introduced in the State are to be implemented through action plans framed by the Department in which yearly targets are set after taking into consideration the achievements made in earlier years. The annual plans at State level are to be prepared by the Department on the basis of the planning exercise conducted by the sub-ordinate offices.
With a view to enabling the State Government to provide adequate budget grants annually for implementation of various State/Centrally sponsored schemes, identification of eligible beneficiaries at grass root level forms the basis for preparation of action plans and is arguably the most crucial pre-requisite for the successful implementation of the schemes. But test-check of the records has shown that though survey (ICDS sector) was conducted for identification of beneficiaries, records had not been properly maintained at Anganwadi centers in Jammu division. However, in Kashmir division the data was collected by Anganwadi centers and taken into consideration at district level while formulating the plans.
It has also been seen that no data of eligible beneficiaries based on BPL criteria was prepared under ISSS and NFBS. National Family Benefit Scheme (NFBS); National Old Age pension Scheme (NOAPS) and National Maternity Benefit Scheme (NMBS) are the three subsidiary schemes under National Social Assistance programme (NSAP). The scrutiny of records has shown that funds were not utilized properly due to non-preparation of correct annual plans and perspective plans at apex levels, as large quantum of funds were either surrendered, not utilized or diverted in NFBS, CSSS and ISSS to unapproved items.
The shortfall in utilization of funds ranged between 15 and 32 per cent during 2005-09 due to late release of funds by GOI under National Social Assistance Programme and Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme. There was significant delay ranging between 26 and 459 days (2005-08) in release of funds by the Department to the executing agencies. Evidently, implementation of schemes was impacted.
The District Social Welfare Officers retained Rs. 78.15 crore NSAP: Rs. 20.78 crore; ISSS: Rs. 56.41 crore; ISSS: Rs. 0.96 crore for periods ranging between seven to 366 days. The Director, Jammu has assured that henceforth the funds would be placed at the disposal of District Social Welfare Officers (DSWOs) concerned without any delay.
In case of Kashmir, cases of prolonged retention of funds had already been pointed out in the Report of Comptroller and Auditor General ending 31 March 2005, but the Department had not initiated any remedial measures (September 2009). These irregularities still exist. These irregularities persisted, despite recommendation of the PAC (March 2006), to evolve a mechanism to ensure timely and proper utilization of funds.(To be continued)
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