Early Times Report
Jammu, May 12: Around seven divisions of Irrigation and Flood Control (I&FC) Department have allegedly diverted funds of over Rs 2 crores and utilized them on unapproved activities in sheer violation of set guidelines.
Sources told Early Times that although these funds were meant for various works under Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme (AIBP) but around seven divisions of the department diverted these funds and spent them on such activities which were not allowed as per scheme.
“These divisions were from districts including Doda, Poonch, Kathua, Jammu, Tangmarg, which spent funds on unapproved activities like likes silt clearance, construction of Khul, labour payment, Petrol, Oil And Lubricants (POL), construction of motorable bridge, furniture, purchase of photocopier machines, levelling equipment, renovation works, purchase of excavator, construction of tanks, CGI roofing,” they said. They further said that diversion of funds to unauthorized activities was done due to untimely release of funds to the concerned divisions for approved items of work. Astonishingly, the diverted funds by these divisions were not regularized by the competent authority. Moreover, during this period, the practice diversion and utilization of funds continue to take place during 2009-10 to 2015-16 on unapproved activities/ items like labour payment, silt clearance and POL, they added.
These divisions alleged that meagre funds were provided under office expenses and expenditure incurred on POL out of schemes funds was for inspection of the schemes and funds were diverted with the intention that same shall be written back to AIBP funds after availability of funds. |
