Mismanagement of PRI Funds
Union Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Dr.C.P.Joshi today informed the Rajya Sabha Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR) provides funds to the States under the Backward Regions Grant Fund, for the identified backward districts to be released for the Rural/ Urban Local Bodies. State-wise allocation is at Annex.
In reply to a witten question the Minister stated that MoPR has so far received about 15 allegations which relate to (i) not following the prescribed planning process, (ii) not distributing the funds among Local Bodies, (iii) delay in transfer of funds from the States to Local Bodies, (iv) poor quality of works, (v) corrupt practices etc. In case of serious allegations, the Ministry had sent a Fact Finding Team, and based on the findings, advised the State Government on the corrective steps to be taken. Other cases have been referred to the respective State Governments for their action. The Ministry has also amended the Programme guidelines of BRGF so that the funds are transferred to the Local Bodies speedily and the Local Bodies concerned are empowered to play a leading role.
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