Union Finance Ministry stalls funding, puts a brake on completion of projects
Fund for City Convention Centre exhausted
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, December 03 2012: Inspite of the approval given by the Planning Commission of India to the revised estimate for various major projects undertaken during the then Secular Progressive Front (SPF) Government, non release of requisite fund by the Union Ministry of Finance is reportedly hampering completion of some projects.

According to an official source, holding up of fund by the Finance Ministry is impeding further work process of the Capitol Project, one of many projects whose foundation stone was laid by Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh in 2004 .

It is said that the government of Manipur submitted a revised estimate of Rs 75 crore to the Planning Commission for completing the Capitol Project components, including the High court, Assembly Secretary and Civil Secretariat.

Even though the Planning Commission approved the revised estimate and subsequent release of fund within the 2012-13 fiscal the fund provision is reportedly awaiting clearance of the Finance Ministry till date, said the source.

Despite delay in the fund allocation, project implementing agencies with their own resources have been sustaining the project works but the work progress of these projects remain unsatisfactory, the source expressed.

It is also said that fund for development of the City Convention Centre has already been exhausted along with partial completion of the project out of the sanctioned cost.

While the building construction is almost complete furniture work for the 700 capacity hall and public announcement system are yet to begin as the project component would require about Rs 26 crore.

In an official missive to the MAHUD Department, the Public Works Department has sought allocation of Rs 26 crore but the amount has not yet been released as the matter requires approval of the State Cabinet, said the source while informing the Cabinet is yet to discuss the subject.

Similarly, Phase-II works of the Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS) is being stalled due to fund exhaustion after completion of the Phase-I works.

The source confided that for execution of the Phase-II works project estimate of Rs 90 crore was submitted to the Planning Commission in 2011-12 while for the 2012-13 fiscal another project estimate of Rs 50 crore was presented to the Commission.

Inspite of the Commission approving both the project estimates actual release of fund has not yet materialised till date, the source maintained while conveying that State officials who attended the recently held review meeting at Guwahati highlighted urgent need for releasing relevant funds for projects approved by the Planning Commission.

The officials have urged the Planning Commission Members present at the meeting to review various projects taken up in the region, to ensure timely release of funds to facilitate early completion of different projects in Manipur.

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