Akhilesh cracks whip on sluggish departments

Irked by the poor pace of implementation of development projects in the state, Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav on Monday directed senior officials to release funds for development works to districts by November 7, and said any laxity in the matter would not be tolerated.

The Chief Minister, who gave the instructions at a high-level meeting attended by top officials, said he would take direct feedback about development activities from the district magistrates on random basis beginning next month.

Source said the Chief Minister was unhappy that although half the financial year was over, the release of funds for various development activities by nearly two dozen departments had been sluggish. The deadline for issuing the financial sanctions was September 30, but most of the departments failed to meet the deadline and could, at most, utilise only 40 per cent of their budget. (See box)

Akhilesh today summoned a meeting of 21 such departments with their performance reports. The principal secretaries of these departments were present.

"The CM was unhappy about the pace of development in the state. Another meeting will be held on November 6 where every department will present its latest status report," said Awadesh Prasad, Minister for Social Welfare, after emerging from the meeting. Prasad also said that unresponsive officials might have to face the music.

The concern of the Chief Minister is that any further delay in release of funds will not leave sufficient time for execution and completion of the projects in the current fiscal. He specifically asked about taking up centrally sponsored schemes on priority and release of the next installment of funds.

16 engineers suspended for 'poor show'

As many as 16 engineers were suspended in the Power Department on the directions of Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav on Monday. They include three superintendent engineers and 13 executive engineers. Action has been initiated against one retired superintending engineer. The axe fell on the officials after a review meeting by the CM, who also holds power portfolio. Officials said the engineers were suspended for poor revenue realisation and failing to address people's complaints in their respective areas. Akhilesh also asked officials to take effective measures for curbing power theft and warned against laxity.

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