KOCHI: The Nabard-aided projects being implemented in block panchayats are getting delayed as most of the panchayats have not been able to submit the detailed project report (DPR) approved by the competent agencies.
The Commissionerate of Rural Development has observed that the appraisal and sanction for projects get delayed due to the non-submission of project details and delay in completion of land acquisition. It is also alleged that many projects fail to take off as the block panchayats are not able to raise 20 per cent of the estimated project cost, which has to be paid as beneficiary share. In view of the delay, rural development commissioner K V Mohankumar has issued guidelines to all block panchayats for submitting the details required for getting sanction.
It is pointed out that while new projects are sanctioned, the implementation and completion of the previous works will be evaluated.
“Henceforth, the block panchayats will have to enclose the cost estimate prepared based on the design approved by the competent authority. Each project should have the approval letter when the report is submitted for getting financial aid,” the commissioner said.
Assistant rural development commissioner Sivakumar said that of the Rs 60-crore worth of Nabard projects, sanction has been given for projects worth Rs 40 crore, for which the detailed project reports are available.
“However, there are some panchayats that are able to spend the beneficiary share, but are still denied sanction as each district has been allotted a specific fund. However, all districts have to complete the formalities as per the Nabard guidelines to get the sanctioned amount,” Sivakumar added.
Meanwhile, Edappally block panchayat president Eliamma Isaac said that most often projects get delayed when the Nabard asks for additional details. This is a time-consuming process, and many-a-time the projects are re-submitted many times to get the final approval.
“As far as the beneficiary share is concerned, it can be raised from the Plan fund of the panchayat. When the final approval is given, all the projects are implemented on time,” she added. As per the guidelines set by the Rural Development Department, for projects that require land acquisition, the procedure should be completed before the proposal is submitted. Also, permission should be obtained from departments, regulatory agencies and supervisory institutions, and submitted along with the project report.