Koda dissatisfied with less utilisation from planned budget

Ranchi, Feb 7 (UNI) Jharkhand Chief Minister Madhu Koda today expressed dissatisfaction over less utilisation, only 32 per cent, of Rs 6500 crore planned budget spent so far.

He has strictly instructed the departments concerned to utilise the rest by March.

Mr Koda hoped to meet the target within the stipulated period and added that non-realisation of loan component also led to delay in implementing the programmes.

He said of the total planned allocation, the loan component stood at 28,000 crore and out of it only Rs 714 crore was received.

However, the Chief Minister aserted that despite all odds the government would meet the target.

''I have already issued strict instructions that no department will deposit budget money in bank and the cabinet has already taken its stand,'' he told reporters at his official chamber here.

Asked about Chief Secretary M K Mandal, who sought volunteer retirement, the Chief Minister said Mr Mandal would retitre on February 28 and he had not received any letter.

'Let me receive it first and the government will take a decision before February 28'', Mr Koda said.

UNI