The slow pace of spending from the Odisha Mineral Bearing Areas Development Corporation (OMBADC) fund has raised concerns among officials. The OMBADC is needed to boost spending, officials said.
According to a latest report, nearly Rs 20,110 crore is available to undertake various developmental projects in the mining areas. However, expenditure by November 30 was only Rs 5,486.68 crore by various departments taking up developmental projects.
The OMBADC was formed as a Section 25 company on December 2, 2014 as per the directive of the Supreme Court of India for undertaking specific tribal welfare and area development works so as to ensure inclusive growth of the mineral bearing areas.
The report reveals that a total 53 projects with a cost of Rs 17,604.61 crore were approved by the Board of Directors. However, only Rs 8,492 crore was released and expenditure was Rs 5,486.68 crore.
According to officials, more funds are required and the OMBADC authorities have been directed to speed up release of funds. The OMBADC is funding seven sectors in the State. Those are piped drinking water supply, education including training and skill development, healthcare including Anganwadi Centres, livelihood promotion, rural connectivity, environmental protection and pollution control, water conservation and ground water recharge.
While the mega pipe water supply scheme project implementation in Sundargarh district is going on in a big way, such a project in Mayurbhanj district is yet to take off. Poor utilisation of funds in Mayurbhanj district is a serious concern as this mineral bearing zone is one of the major tribal dominated districts and it is highly essential for setting up MPWSS projects, pointed out a senior officer.
However, the ULBs in Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Sundargarh and Jajpur districts are able to utilise 97 per cent of funds released in their favour for augmentation of water supply programme, said sources.
While Rs 489.53 crore has been allocated for infrastructure development and quality education in 36 Odisha Adarsha Vidyalayas in Mayurbhanj, Jajpur, Dhenkanal, Angul, Deogarh and Jharsuguda, the projects are yet to take off.
Development of educational infrastructure for SC and ST students in SC and ST Development Department run Ashram schools have taken off and 61 per cent of funds have been utilised by November 30, said sources.
As much as 72 per cent of the allocated fund has been utilised for the construction of indoor stadiums across the State in urban centers in OMBADC district. However, skill development of tribal youth in Panchakarma and Naturopathy in OMBADC districts are yet to take off.
Strengthening of integrated child development services requires more thrust as spending by November 30 was 44 per cent. Similarly, construction of Composite Rehabilitation Centers in Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar and Sundargarh is yet to take off.