Virendra Singh Rawat / Lucknow
Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath has warned top officials against time and cost overruns of key development projects in the state.
Issuing a stern directive, Yogi said accountability would be fixed on the senior most department officials if projects do not progress according to timelines and if there are cost overruns.
“In case of unnecessary delay or negligence in completion of development projects or reports of corruption, the concerned government officials including the additional chief secretary (ACS), principal secretary and secretary level officers would be held accountable,” the CM said during a recent review meeting here.
Meanwhile, he has sought from the UP chief secretary a detailed report on the important development projects underway in all the 18 divisions.
He has directed the finance ACS to prepare a detailed report on project-wise budget issued to the departments in the last five months and their progress.
Moreover, he categorically censured prospective revision of budgets for preapproved projects saying before the start of any project, all relevant points must be contemplated to finalise and approve the financial terms.
Drawing the line, Yogi said delay in projects not only leads to wastage of public money, but impeded the public welfare mandate. “Therefore, special attention should be paid to ensure timely completion of the development projects.”
He claimed there is no paucity of funds. “…the finance department and the chief minister’s office can be contacted as per the requirement.”
Emphasising on ensuring transparency and quality of development projects, the CM stressed the need to promote healthy competition in the selection of executive bodies.
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“The authorities must ensure that the organisation preparing the detailed project report (DPR) for the development projects does not participate in the tender process for the formulation and implementation of the project,” he said while suggesting central agencies be roped for important projects.