Utilisation rate remains low
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 27 2011:
A newly constructed building of the Planning Department was inaugurated today by Chief Minister Okram Ibobi.The new building was constructed by the Manipur Development Society at the cost of Rs 2.59 crores.
Speaking at the occasion, Ibobi stated that utilisation rate of the plan amount remained low as many departments were still unable to finalise work programmes for the current financial year.
Highlighting the crucial role being played by Planning Department in the overall development of the State, Ibobi asserted that there was an urgent need to recruit more competent and qualified staff in the department.
Although plan outlay for the current fiscal was fixed before March this year following which full budget was also passed, some departments were still unable to finalise their work programmes thereby seriously impeding utilisation of the plan amount, Ibobi stated.
Noting that neither utilisation certificates nor detailed project reports were furnished in time, the Chief Minister directed the Planning Department to ensure that all utilisation certificates and detailed project reports were submitted in time.
Observing that the newly constructed building of the Planning Department was neat and suave like a hotel or mall, Ibobi wished that the ambience of the structure may help in discovering novel and great ideas for advancement of Manipur.
State Planning Board Deputy Chairman Bijoy Koijam decried that Planning Department was not taken with any seriousness by other departments though Planning was playing crucial role in the overall planning for development of the State.
Chief Secretary DS Poonia said that Planning Department started as a small cell in 1970'sown.