‘Funds meant for drinking water scheme has lapsed’

Rs. 7 cr. was granted for Dharwad last fiscal

The district losing nearly Rs. 7 crore as development grants in the last fiscal due to the alleged negligence of officials came to light at the monthly review meeting of the Karnataka Development Programmes (KDP) here on Monday.

Chairing the meeting, Dharwad Zilla Panchayat Deputy Secretary Y.D. Kunnibhavi said the money was released by the government under the head of planned expenditure.

Works hit

A major portion of this amount was meant for drinking water supply works to be taken up by the engineering department of the zilla panchayat. As the sanctioned works could not be started within the stipulated time, the money was sent back to the government. As a result, execution of several works was hindered due to paucity of funds, he said.

Mr. Kunnibhavi instructed the officials to see that the development grants for the current fiscal were utilised before March 31 and the money was not lapsed. He told the officials to complete the drinking water supply related works on priority in time. There should be no scope for shortage of drinking water in rural areas, he added.

Building

District Health officer N.M. Angadi promised to provide a building for setting up the Ayush health centre at Kalghatagi town. The meeting reviewed the progress of nearly 33 government departments. Zilla panchayat president Suresh Ganiger was present.

The money was released by the government under the head of planned expenditure

As the works could not be started within the stipulated time, the funds were sent back