Projects getting delayed due to officers’ reluctance is not a new thing. There are several examples of that. We had published a similar story regarding the IAS lobby at the secretariat hounding over a good project for the last three years. The topic was regarding Serifed’s grand project for silk production which was approved by the central government in 2015. Serifed’s mega-project aims to make Kerala a paradise of silk by increasing the production of silkworms and by manufacturing excellent quality silk. This project was blocked by the then secretary Paul Antony by halting state funds, in a project where 86 percent of the funds are spent by the central government. The High Court ordered to take actions for contempt of court against Paul Antony and also to release state funds of Rs. 3.41 crores. There are allegations that the influence of fake silk importers has delayed the project even after getting approval three years back. Such doings by officers affect good projects which are ignored by top authorities as well. This is one of the prime reasons why the state cannot make industrial progress.

The project was approved by central textiles ministry as a model that could be implemented throughout the country. The project aims to manufacture silk merchandise worth Rs 4000 annually. Rs 1500 worth of silk garments will be exported and the rest will be made available in the local market. This will take thirteen years for completion with funding from both the central and state governments. According to assumptions from Serifed, around ten lakh job seekers will benefit from this. It will be great if at least ten thousand people could get a job out of this. The government should have shown special interest in this project as it could have been a great boon to people from the weaker section of the society. Serifed was formed to boost silk production, but it never found progress.

The number of projects that went under files due to the negligence of officers is striking. Even if the project is somehow started, the officers don’t show interest to take it forward. There are several such projects that were stopped midway due to the inefficiency of the officers. This negligence cannot be pardoned. Only a small share of the allowed funds has been spent so far. Out of the Rs. 353 crores approved by the central govt for various projects, only Rs 57 crores are spent. Only 12 months remain to spend the remaining funds. Several big projects are seeing red without proper interference and pressure from ministers. Most ministers don’t have time to check on this. Even after committing such a big default, the responsible officer has everything to his comfort.