PANJIM: A review meeting with all the Block Development Officers (BDOs) was convened by Panchayat Minister Mauvin Godinho on Monday to assess the utilisation of funds under the 14th Finance Commission.
The minister also issued directions for gram sabhas to be held in March while pointing out that the department has got complaints that the same are not being held.
Speaking to media persons after the meeting, Godinho revealed that he had received feedback that the works that are being carried out in every block under the 14th Finance Commission are not less than Rs 1.5-2 crore.
He said, “This is in line with the State government’s ‘Swayampurna Goem’ objective and that it is up to the Panchayat Department to rise to the occasion for the upliftment of the village areas.”
He praised the panchayats and officials for responding quickly to calls for completing these works quickly while explaining on how the BDOs received the proposals from panchayats.
He informed that a technical cell has been formed to look into and sort out any difficulties that the respective BDOs may be facing with respect to these works.
“I have asked all the BDOs to expedite these works so that there is development on the ground level,” he added.
When asked to give an update on the status of these works, he said, “The work orders have been given and the process of tendering and administrative approvals has been completed.” He said in some select cases, execution of some of these works has been held up due to technical and legal reasons.
“Earlier, more than half of these funds remained unutilised. This year, we have given instructions that by the end of the financial year, the works should be completed,” Godinho added.
