Inherited Rs 9,000 cr liability from previous NC govt: J&K CM
The Jammu and Kashmir government has inherited a liability of over Rs 9,000 crore from the previous National Conference regime, Chief Minister Mufti Mohmmad Sayeed claimed on Wednesday and said ways and means have to be explored to clear the backlog.
“Unfortunately, we have inherited liability of over Rs 9,000 crore, including Rs 3,000 crore on account of works executed without tendering and adhering to codal formalities (by previous NC-Congress government),” he said.
The chief minister made these observations while chairing the District Development Board meetings of Rajouri and Poonch districts here today. Sayeed said “ways and means have to be explored to clear the backlog”.
Stressing on dovetailing Central and State Plan schemes to execute projects fraught with financial constraints, Sayeed said the government will closely monitor implementation of district capital plans to see that allocated funds are utilised properly.
He said the government has also reserved 1/3rd component within the Capital Expenditure Plans to defray huge liabilities in a phased manner, which have been inherited from the previous regime.
The Chief Minister observed that in the past few years, the state has been found wanting in effective implementation of Centrally-Sponsored Schemes (CSSs) which has deprived the people of the benefits envisaged under these projects.
While Rs 197.94 crore Annual Plan for Rajouri district has been approved, a Capital Plan outlay of Rs 173.16 crore for Poonch district was passed in the Board meeting.
He also called on Border Roads Organization (BRO) to improve the critical stretch from Thanamandi to Buffliaz on the Mughal Road.
Referring to the huge potential of Rajouri and Poonch districts in heritage and leisure tourism, the chief minister directed the Tourism department to focus on creation of wayside amenities at different locations to facilitate the visitors.
Sayeed also issued immediate directions to Director Tourism Jammu to take up development of Krishan Chander Park at Poonch as a major Heritage Destination.
“A Defect Liability Period (DLP) of three years for all contractors has been fixed by the R&B Department for ensuring maintenance of roads,” he asserted.
Calling for rationalisation of healthcare sector, on the pattern of State Education department, Sayeed said the new Recruitment Policy is being announced very shortly which will facilitate filling up of nearly 15,000 vacant posts on a fast-track basis through Service Selection Board.
He also announced setting up of two health institutions as Model Health Centres in each constituency of the state.
PTI
