Jharkhand Chief Secretary Alka Tiwari on Friday directed the secretaries of all departments concerned to submit utilization certificates to the central government promptly for funds received under the Special Assistance Scheme for Capital Investment. She emphasized that timely submission of utilization certificates strengthens claims for unspent funds in the relevant category, enhances financial discipline, and bolsters Jharkhand’s reputation as a state that efficiently completes projects within deadlines.
The central government provides interest-free loans to states for 50 years under this scheme to encourage capital investment. On Friday, Tiwari reviewed the progress of the Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) with departmental secretaries.
Fund Allocation and Utilization
During the review, officials informed the Chief Secretary that Jharkhand received Rs 5,255.14 crore under SASCI for the financial year 2023-24, out of which Rs 4,580.62 crore has already been disbursed. For FY 2024-25, the state has submitted a proposal of Rs 4,302 crore, and the central government has approved Rs 2,763 crore so far, with Rs 1,233 crore already allocated to the state.
Officials noted that Jharkhand could further claim approximately Rs 1,250 crore under various components of SASCI. If projects are implemented in line with central guidelines, the state could potentially secure Rs 4,600 crore for FY 2024-25.
Key Projects and Developments
Unity Mall Construction
A budget of Rs 162.94 crore has been approved for the construction of the Unity Mall in FY 2023-24, with the first installment of Rs 81.47 crore already disbursed. The Industries Department must utilize 75 percent of the received funds and submit a utilization certificate to claim the remaining amount.
Dam Beautification Projects
The state has proposed Rs 214.94 crore for the beautification of Netarhat, Tilaiya, and Tenughat Dams. Out of this, the central government has approved Rs 34.87 crore for Tilaiya Dam. The Tourism Department has been tasked with addressing additional information requests from the central government for these projects.
Working Women Hostels
Under the scheme, Rs 163 crore has been allocated for constructing eight working women hostels in Jharkhand. The central government has sought details regarding two of these hostels, which the Industries Department must promptly provide.
Additional Financial Claims
Officials stated that under the SNA SPARSH scheme, the state can claim Rs 250 crore by January 31, 2025. Additionally, a claim of Rs 30 crore has been submitted for urban planning reforms, including streamlining building construction regulations.
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The review meeting was attended by Finance Secretary Prashant Kumar, Higher and Technical Education Secretary Rahul Purwar, Rural Development Secretary K. Srinivasan, Transport Secretary Kripanand Jha, Mining Secretary Jitendra Singh, Building Construction Secretary Arwa Rajkamal, and other senior officials.
