The Finance department has denied allegations of misappropriation of funds in the name of pandemic by clarifying that all funds mobilised through pro-rata cuts and expenditure were accounted under various heads.
As per the data made available, the state government had spent around Rs. 245.44 crore (Rs. 180.88 crore during 2020-21 and Rs. 64.56 crore during 2021-22) for Covid related activities etc. (See table)
The finance department clarification came against the backdrop of allegations made by opposition parties who questioned the government over the fund raised for the pandemic and how they were expended.
The department explained that pro-rata cuts in 2021-22 were effected to provide free vaccines to all, as decided by the State cabinet, and claimed that expenses on Covid-19 were still continuing. The department said details of expenditure from CM’s Relief Fund were available on the website.
According to the statement, the State government decided to use 25% of LADP funds to fight the pandemic in 2021-22, which will include 15% Common Pool Fund and additional 10% from normal funds without touching the iconic projects. These funds would be kept with the respective DPDBs for fighting the pandemic in the respective districts, it added. The department said break-up of items of expenditure could be obtained from the departments concerned, in case of necessity.
It may be recalled that the NPF Legislature Party spokespersons, Imkong L. Imchen, with regard to Covid-19, had demanded to know as to how much fund was needed by the state and how much it has so far spent and for what purposes?
He also demanded to know which areas were funds allotted and how much of the 20% pro-rata cut was utilized and what was the “urgent necessity” for the “so-called expert panel” which only added to the financial burden of the state?