Expressing concern over lower expenditure by the Departments, Chief Minister Arjun Munda said that the Government was worried about the pace of development and willing to expedite the efforts in this direction. A mere Rs 4,023 crore out of total plan outlay of Rs 15,300 crore, had been utilised by all the departments till December last year.

Talking to reporters after the review meeting, the CM said that apart from keeping an eye on expenditure, his Government was also committed to come down hard on corrupt officials, siphoning the money meant for development works. “We are worried about the lesser expenses. We have formulated some other ways that would be reflected in the days to come. Instructions have been passed to all the departments in this regard.”

The CM also instructed to mark out the departments and their officials who have performed poorly and mention this in their service books. An appraisal report would also be prepared within 10 days about improvement shown by lagging departments. The CM also stressed on ‘no compromise’ on quality of work and directed blacklisting the erring contractors.

Munda also underlined the importance of housing for deprived sections and directed the officials to prepare a road map keeping in mind the requirements of people living in rural and urban areas. Issues related to traffic and parking in the cities also figured in the meeting.

Reviewing the Agriculture Department, the CM directed to operationalise the Agriculture Development Council soon and expressed dissatisfaction over the

delay caused. He directed that scientists and experts be roped in so that policy vision is readied. Jharkhand is also a part of the agro corridor coming up in eastern India. The CM also wanted to review timely progress made in several water projects such as Suvarnarekha, Punashi etc and put them on the fast track for the welfare of farmers.

While reviewing the Rural Development Department, Munda sought the list of beneficiaries under Indira Awas Yojna. He also stressed on making panchayats more accountable while taking up schemes for rural development.

The issue of expediting rural electrification works in the State also figured in the meeting and the CM passed specific instructions about RITES and also to Damodar Valley Corporation and National Thermal Power Corporation, conducting electrification works in several parts of the State.