Double Engine Govt failed to utilise 4032 Cr during FY 20-21 & 21-22 : CM
Shimla, Dec 22
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu stated that the double-engine government of former Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur could not spend the allotted Rs 4032 Cr during the financial years 2020-21 and 21-22. He was replying to a query from Hoshiyar Singh during the question hours on Friday.
In response to the query, the Chief Minister mentioned that Rs 2032.27 Cr in the year 20-21 and Rs 2320.93 Cr in 21-22 were unutilized, and the funds lapsed. He accused the opposition of raising the issue of unemployment in the house to divert attention from their own misdeeds. Independent member Hoshiyar Singh aimed to ask tough questions in the house, prompting the opposition to bring an adjournment motion to address the issue.
The Chief Minister emphasized that the government could not utilize the funds received during its rule and questioned the opposition for raising concerns about vacant posts. He pointed out that allocated funds of Rs 408 Crore and Rs 611.21 Cr for the SC/ST component in FY 20-21 and 21-22 remained unspent and lapsed.
Furthermore, he highlighted that the double-engine government did not release Rs 465.16 Cr and Rs 360.81 Cr allocated for health and Rs 589.28 Cr and 348.86 Cr for education in FY 2020-21 and 21-22. Additionally, Rs 240 Cr provided for the modernization of the state police could not be spent, leading to protests from police jawans who receive only Rs seven as their daily diet.
Ajay Solanki of Nahan raised the issue of a pipe scam under Jal Jiwan Mission during the previous BJP government, alleging that public money was misutilized for the sake of a vote bank in the 2022 election. Deputy CM Mukesh Angihotri, responding to the query, mentioned that during the BJP’s tenure under JJM, ‘Nalh was without Jal’ (tap without water). He accused the BJP of misutilizing funds under JJM, benefiting contractors instead of the general public. The government has now imposed time bounds on all water scheme constructions under JJM.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu accused the former BJP rule during the question hour of compromising the state’s interests. He cited instances of the global investment meet in Dharamshala where SJVN was provided three power projects, compromising the state’s interests. He pointed out conditions like non-payment of GST, LADA, and CSR funds attached to the power projects. The Congress government, upon resuming power, issued notices to SJVNL, demanding the signing of new PPA for three projects, including Luhri, Sunni, and Dhaulasidh power projects.
He emphasized that no sovereign government could allot any project without a PPA, and if SJVNL did not sign a new PPA, the three power projects would be cancelled. He also pledged to involve local MLAs in CSR activities and urged judicious use of funds in affected areas.
Earlier, Congress MLAs Kuldeep Rathore and Nand Lal raised concerns about gram panchayats affected by air pollution and water resources, stating that firms do not consult them, and CSR money is used arbitrarily in favour of companies. They called for the constitution of a committee to ensure the proper utilization of CSR funds, citing an example where Rs two Crore were spent in Theog assembly without reaching the affected people.
Empower Independent Journalism – Join Us Today!
Dear Reader,
We’re committed to unbiased, in-depth journalism that uncovers truth and gives voice to the unheard. To sustain our mission, we need your help. Your contribution, no matter the size, fuels our research, reporting, and impact.
Stand with us in preserving independent journalism’s integrity and transparency. Support free press, diverse perspectives, and informed democracy.
Click [here] to join and be part of this vital endeavour.
Thank you for valuing independent journalism.
Warmly,
Vishal Sarin, Editor
