Punjab Government on Thursday released Rs 562.05 crore towards pending payments for various schemes and development projects, including the maintenance of important memorials in the state.
“The government has released the funds, with a directive from the Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh, to all the departments to mobilize additional resources through financial prudence and economic management to further consolidate the state’s fiscal position, which is showing signs of gradual recovery,” said a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office.
Retirement benefits and general provident Funds (GPF) advances have been cleared till May 15, 2018, with the release of Rs 300 crore, while Rs 100 crore has been released on account of power subsidy, said the official spokesperson.
Apart from these, the State Government has also released Rs 37 crore to the Tourism Department for the maintenance of memorials, including Guru Ravidass ji Memorial, Khulargarh and Jang-e-Azadi, the spokesperson added.
A sum of Rs 16 crore and Rs 60 crore has also been released for Water Supply and Sanitation and Health Insurance respectively. Amounts of Rs 17 crore and Rs 9.46 crore have been paid under GST refund and Border Area Development Fund (BADF) respectively.