State yet to submit utilisation certificate Spl Correspondent NEW DELHI, July 8 Government of Assam is yet to submit Utilisation Certificate for using Central Relief Fund (CRF) drawn in 2007-2008. The State Government is primarily responsible for scheme of financing for relief expenditure and undertaking the relief measures in the wake of natural calamities like flood, said Minister of State M Ramachandran in reply to a question by Biren Baishya.
However, Assam Government still has access to huge funds under CRF and its balance as on April is Rs 643.57 crore. According to the CRF scheme, Accountant General in charge of the State maintains account of the Fund. The Comptroller General of India audits the CRF every year. Under the Natural Calamity Contingency Fund (NCCF), the State Government has a balance of Rs 300 crore.
Significantly, the Minister said that according to the 12th Finance Commission Award that covers the period 2005-2010, it had considered a proposal for inclusion of soil erosion and changes in the courses of the rivers, however, not recommended as of the calamities qualifying for assistance from CRF and NCCF.
The State Government concerned are required to provide assistance for relief, rehabilitation and reclamation of land from their own plan to the population affected due to erosion, Ramachandran said.
Meanwhile, the Government of Assam has submitted a report about the breach at Matmara in Dhakuwakhana and the consequent erosion and deposition of huge volume of silt on paddy fields. The State Government had already submitted a scheme about raising and strengthening of Brahmaputra dyke from Sissikaighar to Tekeliphuta to protect Majuli Island and Dhakuwakhana areas at an estimated cost of Rs 142.42 crore for implementation with Central assistance.
The first instalment of Rs 99 crore has been released and Assam Government has reported an expenditure of Rs 35 crore from the Central grant released in March, the Minister said.
