The Orissa government’s off-and-on encounter on administrative lapses in the Central fund utilisation, implementation of some flagship programmes and strict enforcement of environment laws with regard to industrial project commissioning continues as ever.
Union rural development minister Jairam Ramesh in his latest move has asked the Orissa government to demand additional funds under the National Rural Drinking Water Programme only after utilising the money available with the state administration. “In case the Orissa government utilises the allocated funds within the year, proposal for release of additional funds can be considered at the end of the financial year based on available saving, the capacity of the state to spend more,” Mr Ramesh said.