The State Government on Friday emphasised on 100 per cent utilisation of Central funds coming under various schemes to the State.
“Ensure availing of the entire 13th Finance Commission grants for 2013-14 and 2014-15 by expediting implementation of project works and submission of utilisation certificates,” Chief Secretary Jugal Kishore Mohapatra directed concerned departments while presiding over the high-level monitoring committee meeting on utilisation of 13th FC grants held at the Secretariat.
It was revealed that the State utilised 99 per cent of State specific grant fund available in 2011-12, 77 per cent in 2012-13 and 66 per cent in 2012-13.
During the current fiscal, the State has utilised `229 crore out of `461 crore by January 31, 2014. However, the Centre has released only `37.50 crore so far.
The Committee reviewed the utilisation of Other Grants which includes the grants for elementary school education, improving statistical system, creating data base for employees and pensioners and grants for improving justice delivery system.
The State has utilised 101 per cent of grants so far allocated for 2013-14. The Centre has released `805.52 crore so far against estimate of `1280.77 crore for the year.
The Chief Secretary has asked all the departments to submit pending utilisation certificates and progress reports in prescribed format within the specified time limit to ensure release of grant by the Centre.
Among others, Development Commissioner Injeti Srinivas, Finance Secretary UN Behera, Secretaries of the respective departments and representatives of implementing agencies participated in the discussion.