J&K CM calls for effective implementation of Central schemes

With the Centre tweaking the fund sharing ratio of states in implementing centrally sponsored schemes, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti today directed Administrative Secretaries to bridge the gaps within respective central departments so that the projected funding under each scheme is received well in time.
Speaking after chairing the first high-level structured meeting to review progress on the implementation of central flagship programmes, the Chief Minister noted project-wise utilization certificates should be submitted on time, which will pave way for their speedy and effective implementation.
Referring to the state's "weak resource" base, she described the central flagship programmes as a pivot of cooperative federalism aimed at bringing down levels of poverty.

Briefing the Chief Minister, Planning Secretary B B Vyas said the restructuring of central schemes has reduced the number of flagship programmes to 30, a majority of which will now be funded on a 90:10 pattern, with each scheme providing a flexi-fund component of 10 per cent.
This, he said has reduced the burden on the state exchequer by Rs 134 crore.
To avail a capital component of Rs 5,500 crore in 2016-17, a state's share of Rs 820 crore will be required, the Chief Minister was informed.

While reviewing the status of Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA) and Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), the Chief Minister took a serious note of lopsided teacher-student ratio in Jammu and Srinagar.

She asked the education department to further rationalise, especially lecturers and masters, so that schools in other areas of the state do not suffer.
"Lecturers and other category of teachers should not be concentrated in city schools alone but rotated so that their experience and knowledge benefit the students across the state," she said, while stressing upon strict implementation of the department's transfer policy.
The Chief Minister also stressed on bringing more schools under the ambit of Model School Scheme so that students are given access to tools of e-learning.
The Chief Minister also announced that Rs 900 crore has

been earmarked under the PM's package which will be utilised for setting up 10 nursing colleges, 22 model hospitals, providing ICU in each district hospital and establishing blood banks.
On the issue of losing manpower identified as a bleeding point in the health sector, Bhandari said against a maximum upper limit of 293 doctors, 879 are at present on deputation to Medical Education and other departments.
The Chief Minister issued directions to plug holes so that deputation quota doesn't exceed 10 per cent, which is fixed under the norms.
As regard the status of power sector reforms under Restructured Accelerated Power Development and Reforms Programme (R-APDRP), Deendayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana and Integrated Power Development Scheme, the CM asked Power Development Department (PDD) to expeditiously complete procedural formalities to execute the projects on ground.

In view of the poor response of contractors to execute the projects, the department was advised to rope in central PSUs in getting the flagship schemes implemented.
The Chief Minister also obtained to-date status of works on river Jhelum under Comprehensive Plan for Flood Management costing Rs 399.29 crore as well as the strengthening of embankments of River Tawi.
She reiterated her earlier direction to dredge the river and use the dredged-out material for strengthening the embankments and earth-filling of Rakh-e-Arth colony for Dal dwellers as a special case.
Under the Prime Minister's package, Rs 1,458 crore have been earmarked for flood management, out of which Rs 280 crore will be spent in Phase I and Rs 1,178 crore in Phase II, to overcome the persistent threat posed by floods, Mehbooba said.

The Chief Minister desired that under the convergence plan of MNREGA, parks and school-grounds should also be developed for providing recreational facilities to children and students.