Rural development audits to get stricter and stronger

Video conference on “Strengthening of the Risk Based Internal Audit of Rural Development Programmes” was inaugurated by Narendra Singh Tomar, the Union Minister for Panchayati Raj and Agricultural Welfare on Monday. This was also attended by Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti, the Union Minister for Rural Development and N. N. Sinha, the Additional Chief Secretary for Rural Development and senior bureaucrats from 10 states.

Tomar, in his address, had said that the Union Rural Development Ministry will be working closely with the respective ministries of states and work towards schemes that contribute to socio-economic growth. He added that these schemes will aim towards holistic development of those in rural areas. He went on to say that in order to achieve this, the Centre will work towards creating more employment opportunities, encouraging entrepreneurship in rural areas, construction of proper houses and roads as well as increasing the safety and security measures in these regions.

He said that this year’s financial budget has had a provision of 120,000 crores allocated towards this. Due to the pandemic, an additional 40,000 crores has been allocated towards the same, to provide employment opportunities under the MNREGA. The Rural Development Ministry is touted to spend 2 lakh crores towards rural welfare and development. Furthermore, 90,000 crores have been allocated towards the welfare of Union Territories.

He released the Financial Management Index to rank the performance of the States on the basis of – preparing annual plans, presenting financial requirements for the financial year, expediting the role of the state, timely utilization of allocated funds, timely submission of utilization certificates, maximum implementation of Public Finance Management System (PFMS) and Direct Money Transfer (TPD) and internal audits.

Shri Tomar said that the performance of the States on the parameters of the Index would also promote the spirit of competitive, cooperative federalism amongst States. He advised the States to ensure optimum utilization of the funds so as to ensure efficient implementation of all the programmes.