Cong releases Punjab’s performance report card on UPA schemes

“In sharp contrast to this,in the rural electrification scheme (RGGVY),the state has spent Rs 13 crore in 2009-10. While the allocation in 2010-11 was Rs 42 crore,the expenditure was Rs 17 crore. For not using the remaining amount,the state has remarked that BPL families were less in number than what was projected,” Jakhar said.

The list also gives out details about lesser expenditure than allotted amount in case of Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme.

The reason cited by the state department is late release of funds. In Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY),the state has utilised Rs 40 crore out of Rs 179 crore allotted by the Centre,which has been attributed by the agriculture department to “now picking up,late release of funds”.

In Mahatma Gandhi Rural Employment Guranatee Scheme (MNREGA),in 2009-10,the Punjab government has utilised Rs 148 crore. The allocation in 2010-11 was Rs 600 crore — the Centre contributes 90 per cent and state the rest. “The percentage expenditure in 2010-11 was 25 per cent. The reason cited by the government is ambitious target and low wage rates,” said Jakhar.

The state’s performance in the Border Area Development Programme too is tardy. “Against Rs 22.25 crore total allocation for four border districts,Punjab had utilised Rs 6.18 crore till March 31,” the Congress leader said.