Himachal to review projects progress after polls slow work

Noticing a general 'slowdown' in administrative functioning, both at the headquarters and in the field even after the Election Commission has relaxed the model code, Chief Secretary Sudripta Roy will hold meeting of the Committee of secretaries (COS) on Monday, which is to be followed by a review of the 2012-plan implementation.

"The COS will take stock of the situation after the polls and take decision on few initiatives required at the level of the secretaries .Since the model code of conduct has been relaxed ,we should also gear-up to see that major works don't get held-up till the new government takes over after the poll results," Roy said.

Immediately after the COS, Roy says a larger meeting would be convened to review plan implementation. Though ,the model code of conduct imposed on October 3 by the EC does not allow the taking-up of some new schemes, the government has got some relaxations ordered to invite tenders for sanctioned schemes, and order allotment of work.

" The planning department had released funds for first and second quarters ,which is 25 per cent of the total plan size during each quarter. The plan implementation, during first two quarters will be reviewed by the Chief Secretary. Only then, the department will be able to know as to how much funds have been utilised. This will form the basis for release of the funds for the third quarter," informs Subashish Panda, advisor (planning).

The state's annual plan outlay of Rs 3,700 crore was fixed for 2012-13 as compared Rs 3,300 crore during last year .Some of the sectors including agriculture, power, roads, education and health got maximum allocations. Reports suggest that the elections had caused a major affect on the works in the roads sector and also IPH department as now fresh tenders could be processed.

... contd.

ALSO READ

'Shootout At Wadala' producer Ekta Kapoor apologises, Valmiki Samaj unperturbed

Theatres in Punjab cancel 'Shootout at Wadala' shows

Rail traffic hit due to protests over Sajjan's acquittal

Family of 1971 POW awaits his return from Pak, fears for his life