With the initiative of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, in the current financial year 2022-23, the pace of development works will speed up in the state with the utilization of the budget. For construction projects, now the departmental secretary, principal secretary or additional chief secretary will be able to approve proposals up to Rs 10 crore. The Expenditure Finance Committee (EFC) constituted under the chairmanship of the Chief Secretary will approve the proposals of more than 10 crores.
On May 18, the cabinet had approved amendment in formation, scope and work procedure of EFC for approval of various schemes and projects at the government level. Finance Secretary Dilip Jawalkar issued the orders after getting the assent of the Governor to these amendments.
The government has taken this important step with a view to accelerate budget expenditure and speed up development works. According to the mandate, all such schemes, projects, which involve annual recurring expenditure of one crore or more or non-recurring expenditure of more than 10 crores on any one unit, such proposals will compulsorily be sent to EFC for approval.
Earlier this system was applicable for 50 lakh instead of 1 crore and 5 crore instead of 10 crore. New arrangements will also be implemented for new projects under centrally sponsored schemes.
Now projects worth more than six crores or revised estimates of more than 10 crores will be examined by EFC only. Proposals for projects outside the purview of EFC costing one crore to 10 crores will be approved by a departmental committee constituted under the chairmanship of the secretary, principal secretary or additional chief secretary of the administrative department.
Technical engineers of the State Planning Commission will be compulsorily called to examine these proposals. The Finance and Planning Department will get the test points resolved. Earlier this limit was limited to one crore to five crore.
