State fails to use central fund for minority welfare

Launched in 2009,MSDP has been implemented across 90 districts — dominated by minority population — in the country. The project,being closely monitored by Minister of State for Corporate and Minority Affairs Salman Khursid,focuses on construction of primary schools,colleges,ITIs,Indira Awas (Centre’s rural housing scheme),drinking water facilities,sanitation facilities and health centres in the chosen villages. Under the first installment,the Centre had sanctioned Rs 438.72 crore for the 21 districts chosen in Uttar Pradesh.

However,a recent review by the Union ministry — conducted prior to releasing the second installment — has revealed the state of the project in UP. According to the state financial progress report,Bareilly has been worst performer,failing to use Rs 13 crore,followed by Baghpat and Ghaziabad — each having a balance of Rs 11 crore. Bijnore and Moradabad districts too have failed to utilise Rs 4 crore and Rs 2 crore. “It is surprising that more than 50 per cent of the funds have not been utilised and the state government has asked for the second installment. The funds were released only after the districts had submitted proposals,which were duly approved by the state and the Centre,” said a central official.

According to state government officials,the delay has been due to preparations for the panchayat elections. The Director of Department of Minorities Welfare,Shahabuddin,said: “The districts were busy with preparations for the panchayat elections. Hence,the progress has been slow in a few. We have asked these districts to speed up work and expect that 60 per cent of the fund will be utilised by November.”