Bhubaneswar: Odisha has achieved 81.05 per cent budget utilisation during the financial year 2024-25, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi told the Assembly Monday.
Replying to a question from BJD MLA Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo, the CM attributed the underutilisation of funds to several factors, including the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) during the general elections, irregular rainfall, adverse weather conditions, and natural calamities such as cyclones, floods, and droughts.
He also cited delays due to environmental and forest clearances, land acquisition problems, and related disputes. To address these issues, Majhi said the government has implemented several corrective measures to ensure more effective use of budgetary provisions. The CM said the departments are informed about the advance expenditure ceiling for the next three years, enabling them to prioritise requirements and reduce yearend surrenders.
“The monthly expenditure reviews are conducted under the chairmanship of the Chief Secretary to assess departmental progress, while cash management system has been implemented across all departments for better financial control,” Majhi said.
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The CM further stated that departments are mandated to utilise at least 60 per cent of their allocated funds by the third quarter (December 31).
A review meeting, chaired by the Development Commissioner-cum-Additional Chief Secretary, is held every year before the Supplementary Budget to ensure proper utilisation. He said steps have been initiated to reassess and streamline ongoing projects.
PNN