Slow progress in project implementation, preparation for new projects: Local bodies have to spend Rs 5,217 crore in two months

MALAPPURAM: With only two months left for the end of this financial year, local bodies in Kerala have not spent even half of their annual plan allocation. The budget allocated was Rs 8,452.48 crore. Rs 3,235.05 crore (38.27%) was spent. Rs 5,217.43 crore is to be spent.

The officials' focus on the preparations for the local body elections and the election code of conduct coming into force on November 10 hindered the implementation of projects and the spending of funds. The appointment of executive officers, including ICDS supervisors, as BLOs has also been a setback.

Funds for construction works are usually used in large quantities in the months of October and November when the rains are over. The election code of conduct was withdrawn on December 15. The officials were trying to speed up the administrative and technical approvals of the projects after that. Meanwhile, the government ordered that the plan for the next financial year be completed immediately, and more attention has been focused on that.

The assembly election code of conduct may come before March. The government has ordered that the annual plan should be approved before this. For this, the village and ward councils should meet by February 5 from today. The draft annual plan document should be prepared by February 7, including the development seminar. The approval of the District Planning Committee should be sought by the 20th. Otherwise, the projects will not be able to be implemented at the beginning of the next financial year. If the annual plan is prepared in advance and approved, there will be no hindrance in the implementation of the project, even if the code of conduct is in place.