Aurangabad, May 29:
Despite repeated instructions to spend the grants of the 14th finance commission on time, Rs 3.84 crore remained unspent with the Gram Panchayat. (GP). Therefore, Zilla Parishad CEO Mangesh Gondawale has demanded re-extension of funds.
On the one hand, the two installments of the 15th finance commission from last year have come in both installments this year. While there is disagreement between the ZP administration and the GP office bearers on how to use the funds, the officials are also trying to save the unspent funds of the 14th finance commission. As per sources, the funds could not be spent due to lack of planning on GP level. The term of the 14th finance commission was from April 1, 2015 to March 31, 2020. From this grant, the GP had included works of asphalting, building weirs and construction of various buildings in the GP development plan. But due to various obstacles such as rains, water scarcity, shortage of sand and elections, the funds could not be spent in time. The members also raised the issue to spend Rs 48 crore. It was given an extension till March 31, 2021. However, in August, September and October, the term of 630 out of 867 Gram Panchayats in the district expired. However, in August, September and October, the term of 630 out of 867 Gram Panchayats in the district expired. Due to corona, it took a long time to complete the election process. While the funds of the 13th finance commission was due to be spent till 2015, it was extended till 2018. On the same lines, CEO Gondawale has made a demand to the additional chief secretary, rural development department to give an extension to the unspent funds under the 14th finance commission. Likewise, the panchayat department had warned the Gram Sevaks to face action if the funds were not spent. Therefore, attention is being paid to what action will be taken against those responsible.