District Capex Budget meeting for Jammu
Suchetgarh Member TS Tony boycotts
Gopal Sharma
JAMMU, July 10: Chairman District Development Council (DDC) Jammu, Bharat Bhushan Bodhi and all the other 13 members including two from Congress and National Conference strongly opposed the unilateral deduction in funds allotted by the Government during District Capex Budget meeting held here today.
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The District Capex Budget meeting was held in the office of Deputy Commissioner Jammu while Additional Deputy Commissioner, Jammu Sher Singh Rana convened in the absence of Deputy Commissioner.
The meeting remained stormy as from the very beginning all the 14 DDC Members including the Chairman, Bharat Bhushan opposed the deduction in the funds allotted this year in their blocks for the development works without their knowledge. They said that with the remaining meager amount they will not be able to do justice with the public.
While the DDC Member from Suchetgarh, Taranjit Singh Tony (JKPCC general secretary) staged walk out of the meeting hall, boycotting the proceedings, the lone National Conference Member from Dansal-Nagrota, Shamim Begum stayed inside, but also strongly opposed this government move.
Chairman of DDC Jammu, Bharat Bhushan Bodhi when contacted said it is not only TS Tony, the deduction in funds of all the DDCs has been witnessed. They all have opposed this move. A unanimous resolution was adopted by all DDC members, urging the LG administration to refund the deducted development funds.
He said that a liability of Rs 18 crores has been worked out and it was resolved and requested the Government to bear this liability and adjust the amount in the non-plan budget and clear the deduction of funds.
The DDC Chairman further informed that the resolution adopted during the meeting was signed by him and all other 11 members in the meeting hall, including one from NC while Cong member TS Tony had walked out of the hall as mark of protest. The meeting has been adjourned till July 15 for the finalization of the Capex Budget.
Tony alleged that an unauthorized deduction of Rs 38 lakhs has been made from his allocated annual funds out of Rs 71.25 lakhs. “The entire year lies ahead with the people’s expectations looming large, yet such arbitrary actions will not be tolerated,” he said.
He asserted that the Government’s own directive require DDC members to actively participate in the formulation of Development Plans through Block Development Offices. Expressing dismay, he criticized, “Certain BDOs have chosen to disregard these directives, sidelining the voices of elected representatives.”
Cong leader underscored the pivotal role of DDCs in the absence of elected Panchayats, Corporations and Legislative Assembly, asserting, “The DDC stands as the sole elected body in Jammu & Kashmir, apart from MPs, where citizens turn for resolution of their civic issues.”
He condemned the administration’s move to impose budget decisions without his consultation, asserting, “I refuse to endorse budgets concocted behind closed doors. Such autocratic maneuvers undermine the very essence of democratic governance,” he asserted.
He appealed to the Commissioner/Secretary RDD, Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, to convene special meetings involving all departments under the purview of the DDCs shortly.
Meanwhile, an official spokesman said that the District Capex meeting saw comprehensive discussions on procedural aspects and the distribution of funds. DDC members and Block Development Officers actively engaged in deliberations, highlighting their concerns and the challenges they face in delivering services to the public.
The proposed plans of key sectors and schemes such as PHE, Irrigation, Education, PWD, Youth Services and Sports, Health, Samridh Seema Yojana, DDC, BDC, PRI, APDP and ABDP under District Capex Budget 2024-25 were discussed in detail.
The Council emphasised the importance of regularly holding Gram Sabhas and incorporating public feedback and opinions of their elected representatives to ensure effective governance.The Council observed that public complaints should be considered earnestly and resolutions must be promptly addressed.
A significant resolution passed by the Council focussed on the reallocation of lapsed funds of 2023-24 District Capex Budget.
Chairman Bharat Bhushan stressed that irrigation is a vital sector and block administrators must ensure that rejuvenation and restoration works under MGNREGA or other relevant schemes are taken up immediately.
The meeting concluded with approval of the District Development Council to the Plan proposals of 2024-25 with slight changes in proposal under BDC and PRI components.
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