Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir has got a mere 17.3 percent of funds allocated to it under the Central Road Infrastructure Fund (CRIF) road connectivity program.
The parliamentary panel on Highways, Transport and Culture has expressed concern over release of a mere 17. 3 percent of amount allocated to J&K under the scheme for ongoing fiscal.
“The committee is especially concerned to note that upto 31st January, 2021, funds released to Jammu and Kashmir are a mere 17.3% of the amount allocated for the year 2020-21,” reads the report of the panel.
According to details, the Centre released just Rs 16.40 crore to J&K under CRIF till January 31 against allocation of Rs 94.51 crore.
Similarly, the funds released to Ladakh are also just 27% of the amount allocated for the year 2020-21.
In its report, the panel has observed that pace of utilization of funds particularly in UTs does not augur well for their being under the direct control of Central Government.
The committee has also asked the Centre to apprise it about reasons behind nominal release of funds to J&K and Ladakh UTs under CRIF.
“ The committee would like to be apprised of the reasons for the nominal amount of funds released to these crucial, newly formed Union Territories, along with the steps taken by the Ministry to encourage higher utilization of funds in future,” the report states.
It is worthwhile to mention that the allocation of funds under CRIF amongst States/ UTs is based on 30 percentage weightage to fuel consumption and 70 percentage weightage to geographical area of the State/ UT. The allocations are based on CRIF Act, 2000 amended through Finance Act, 2019.
