Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Friday directed the Finance Department to constitute an Apex Committee headed by the Chief Secretary for best management of the State’s finances.
“Management of resources is very important In view of 14th Finance Commission recommendations. Available resources need to be best utilised keeping importance of various schemes. After all, all financial objectives have to be met under financial management and accountability,” Patnaik pointed out and advised the department to form an Apex Committee for smooth management of State finance. Additional Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, Development Commissioner and Additional Principal Secretary of Finance Department would be members of this committee.
The Chief Minister expressed satisfaction over fiscal achievements made in the year 2014-15 while reviewing annual performance of the department. It was revealed that the expenditure of Plan Outlay increased to Rs 29,984 crore in the last fiscal.
Patnaik asked all revenue-collecting departments to accelerate tax and nontax revenue collection and to give importance of collection of outstanding dues. He expressed happiness as a total of outstanding dues of Rs 1300 crore was collected through mutual settlements during the year. He emphasised on timely expenditure of budgetary allocations.
Among others, Finance Minister Pradeep Kumar Amat, Chief Secretary GC Pati and Development Secretary UN Behera were present.