Implementation of a large number of development programmes in the undivided Kalahandi-Balangir-Koraput (KBK) districts have been affected because of the delay in the release of funds.
While the Planning Commission had granted Rs 187 crore out of Rs 250-crore proposals for 2012-13, there was delay in the release of entire amount by the Centre. Funds under the KBK programme is utilised to take up various programs including watershed development, emergency feeding, tribal education, rural electrification and road connectivity.
Official sources said the funds are released towards the end of a financial year making it difficult on the part of the administration to spend them. Out of Rs 250 crore sanctioned by the Centre for KBK during 2011-12, Centre had released Rs 130 crore as a result of which most of the major programs had to be curtailed.
The Centre is also yet to approve the special package of Rs 4550 crore submitted by the KBK district for the last so many years. Though Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has taken up the matter with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Deputy Chairman of Planning Commission Montek Singh Ahluwalia several times, the Centre is yet to approve the programme.
The State Government has, however, made a provision of Rs 120 crore in its budget of 2013-14 for continuation of Biju KBK Yojana for the development of most backward regions of the KBK region. The State Government launched Biju KBK Yojana with finance from its own resources after the Centre curtailed funding under the KBK programme.
The Government has also made a provision of Rs 192.2 crore for implementation of special development programme and Rs 40 crore under the special problem fund. Besides, Rs 540 crore has been provided in the budget for implementation of Integrated Action Plan (IAP) in tribal and backward districts.
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