With the Centre tweaking the fund sharing ratio of states in implementing centrally sponsored schemes, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Saturday directed Administrative Secretaries to bridge the gaps within respective central departments so that the projected funding under each scheme is received well in time.
Speaking after chairing the first high-level structured meeting to review progress on the implementation of central flagship programmes, the Chief Minister noted project-wise utilisation certificates should be submitted on time, which will pave way for their speedy and effective implementation.
Referring to the state’s “weak resource” base, she described the central flagship programmes as a pivot of cooperative federalism aimed at bringing down levels of poverty.
Briefing the Chief Minister, Planning Secretary B.B. Vyas said the restructuring of central schemes has reduced the number of flagship programmes to 30, a majority of which will now be funded on a 90:10 pattern, with each scheme providing a flexi-fund component of 10 per cent.
This, he said has reduced the burden on the state exchequer by Rs. 134 crore.
To avail a capital component of Rs. 5,500 crore in 2016-17, a state’s share of Rs. 820 crore will be required, the Chief Minister was informed.
While reviewing the status of Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA) and Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), the Chief Minister took a serious note of lopsided teacher-student ratio in Jammu and Srinagar.
She asked the education department to further rationalise, especially lecturers and masters, so that schools in other areas of the state do not suffer.
“Lecturers and other category of teachers should not be concentrated in city schools alone but rotated so that their experience and knowledge benefit the students across the state,” she said, while stressing upon strict implementation of the department’s transfer policy.
The Chief Minister also stressed on bringing more schools under the ambit of Model School Scheme so that students are given access to tools of e-learning.
On upcoming model hospitals in Dooru and Basohli, Health Secretary M.K. Bhandari told the Chief Minister that these will become functional by June this year.
