J&K could lose a “sizeable chunk” of financial assistance under World Bank-funded reconstruction plan owing to its “lethargic approach” in implementation of the program.
Documents in possession of Greater Kashmir revealed thatprojects worth Rs 624 crore (43%) were yet to be tendered under the programdespite directions by the financial institution to the State Government tofinalise tendering by 30 September 2019.
In June 2015, the World Bank had approved more than Rs 1500crore as funding for different projects after its team visited flood-affectedareas of the State to carry out a multi-sectoral assessment report of thedamages and needs. While Rs 1448 core were approved for the projects andconsultancy, the remaining funding was meant for institutional support.
” ….. it was agreed upon that Government of J&K wouldfinalise all the tenders by September 2019 and thereafter would submit aconcrete work plan to Department of Economic Affairs,” reads a communicationfrom Union Finance Ministry to ChiefExecutive Officer, JehlumTawi Flood Recovery Project which is the projectmonitoring unit for the program.
Now, the J&K has been directed to submit concrete workplan to Union Finance Ministry’s Department of Economic Affairs (DEA) in thefirst week of October. The department deals with externally funded projects.
The latest status report about implementation of the programhas triggered fears that State may lose a sizeable chunk of funds.
According to the report, 53 sub-projects (estimated cost Rs624.52) are yet to be tendered. So far, 79 sub-projects worth Rs 683.86 crorehave been allotted while 49 projects with estimated cost of Rs 140.03 are undertendering/evaluation stage.
A senior official said there was a possibility that theprojects may be restructured if the State Government fails to finalise tendersby the September deadline.
“…….a decision is expected to be taken to restructure theproject with part cancellation of uncommitted project funds,” reads theofficial document, adding the project has suffered owing to challengingoperational environment, low volume of civil works and other factors.
As already reported by Greater Kashmir on 20 May 2019, theJ&K Government has approached the Union Finance Ministry for extendingtimeline for completion of the project. June 2020 is deadline for completion ofthe project.
Citing “peculiar circumstances” and “adverse weatherconditions” in the state, the project monitoring unit has sought 18-monthextension for completing the project.