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Journalism of Courage
In line with the Prime Minister8217;s direction for a system to 8216;8216;measure development outcomes8217;8217;, Finance Minister P Chidambaram has prepared a timetable to ensure Budget outlays are translated into outcomes. This is his timetable
8226; New General Financial Rules to delegate greater authority and flexibility to administrative ministries for financial transactions. Deadline: July 1, 2005
8226; State govts to submit monthly expenditure returns on all Central sector schemes, including sponsored and cess-funded. This will deter 8216;8216;bunching8217;8217; of projects. Deadline: Every month
8226; Centre to release funds to states in the first week every month if they follow the norms. Deadline: 1st week every month
8226; Ministries to release summary of monthly receipts and expenditure to public through websites, disclose scheme-wise release of funds to states for more transparency. Deadline: Every month
8226; Finance Ministry will review norms and tariff governing user charges, clearance of high value expenditure and expenditure not conforming to prescribed norms. Deadline: September, 2005
8226; Review of user charges to increase non-tax revenues and reduce operational losses of commercial undertakings. This will allow better results in PSUs. Deadline: December, 2005
8226; Subsidies to be restructured, innovative methods to cut costs without affecting intended beneficiaries. Deadline: February 28, 2006
8226; Special drive to clear arrears in taking appropriate action on audit reports. Deadline: March, 2006
8226; Review, revision of PIB/EFC guidelines for identification of outcomes at stage of approval. This will improve decision making. Deadline: June 30, 2006
8226; Rationalisation of borrowing by states. Element of prudential norms will be introduced. Deadline: April 30, 2006
8226; Debt consolidation and waiver to states. This will include issue of guidelines. Deadline: Over May 31,2005
Navika Kumar
