Una, October 22:- Ensure timely utilisation of government funds and prioritise the settlement of pending audit paras. Sanjay Ratn, Chairman of the Legislative Assembly’s Local Fund Accounts Committee, issued these directions to officials during a meeting held in Una on Thursday. He said transparency must be maintained in the utilisation of government funds and unnecessary delays in settling pending financial matters must be avoided.
The meeting was held at the District Council Conference Hall and attended by committee members and MLAs Inder Dutt Lakhanpal, Malender Rajan, Kuldeep Singh Rathore and Vivek Sharma. The committee reviewed pending audit paras of various departments, financial management and the utilisation of government funds.
The Chairman directed officials to identify audit paras that could be settled by December 31 and take time-bound action for their disposal. He also instructed them to provide the information sought by the committee within one month and send information related to audit paras to the concerned directorates from time to time.
Ensure Government Funds Are Used for Public Welfare
Sanjay Ratn said government funds should not remain idle without being utilised unnecessarily. Development works and public welfare schemes must be completed on time so that the general public can benefit from them. He said that in a democracy, the government is accountable to the people. The ruling party and the opposition jointly formulate policies in the Legislative Assembly, while officials are responsible for their effective implementation. Therefore, active cooperation from the administrative machinery is essential.
He directed officials to submit utilisation certificates on time, maintain proper financial records and avoid delays in settling pending audit paras. He said ensuring that the benefits of government schemes reach eligible beneficiaries and providing better facilities to the public should remain priorities.
The Chairman asked officials to coordinate with local MLAs and seek their cooperation and guidance to accelerate development works. If any work requires a change or conversion, the necessary steps should be taken in accordance with the rules after consultation with the concerned MLA.
Recommends One-Time Settlement for Recovery of Outstanding Rent
The meeting also reviewed cases involving the long-pending recovery of rent and penalties from commercial complexes and shops belonging to urban local bodies. The Chairman said the committee would recommend to the state government the implementation of a one-time settlement mechanism across Himachal Pradesh to facilitate the recovery of outstanding dues. The final decision in this regard will be taken by the government.
Directions for Settlement of Old Audit Paras
The Chairman directed urban local bodies in Una district to initiate the process of placing audit paras from before 2000, involving relatively small amounts, before the competent authority for writing them off in accordance with the rules. For audit paras pending from after 2000, necessary action must be taken as prescribed under the rules. He emphasised compliance with the relevant regulations and approval of the competent authority throughout the process.
Educational Institutions Must Make Proper Use of Student Welfare Funds
Sanjay Ratn directed principals of colleges in the district to submit a complete account to the committee within 15 days of the funds available under student welfare funds and the expenditure incurred for students' benefit. He emphasised maintaining proper accounts of these funds and ensuring their utilisation for the welfare of students.
He said student welfare funds available in educational institutions, including colleges, polytechnic institutes and ITIs, should be used for student welfare, library development and providing better facilities to students.
Officials Must Arrive Fully Prepared with Accurate Information
The committee Chairman directed officials to make complete preparations before presenting any matter before Legislative Assembly committees. The information sought must be clear, accurate and based on facts. When some matters did not receive satisfactory responses during the meeting, he asked the concerned officials to submit complete information supported by records. He stressed maintaining accountability in financial matters, avoiding incomplete or incorrect information, regularly reviewing pending cases and ensuring interdepartmental coordination for their settlement.
Deputy Commissioner Jatin Lal welcomed the committee and assured it that the directions issued during the meeting would be implemented. He said effective efforts would be made to settle pending audit paras through coordination meetings with the concerned departments.
Superintendent of Police Sachin Hiremath, Additional Deputy Commissioner Ishant Jaswal and senior officials from various departments were also present at the meeting.
