J-K government seeks timely release of central funds

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir government today pleaded for timely release of Centre's share to the state for smooth implementation of various centrally sponsored schemes implemented by Social Welfare department.

The request was made by state Social Welfare minister Sakina Ittoo during a meeting with a high-level central team headed by Planning Commission member Sayeeda Hameed here, a government spokesman said.

The state government is facing tremendous problems in receiving funds under central share on time due to which it becomes very difficult for the government to implement schemes in letter and spirit, the minister said.

Issues for releasing of funds under various schemes have been taken up with the Centre several times, but the lukewarm response has resulted in irregular honorariums of Anganwari workers and helpers, Ittoo said.

Threadbare discussions were held in the meeting on various issues including ICDS, SABLA, IGMSY, ISS, Take Home Ration (THR) and NFBS being implemented in the state, the spokesman said.

The Minister briefed the meeting about achievements and results of various schemes and programmes being implemented in the state with central assistance and said, under Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS), there are 28,000 Anganwari Centres (AWCs) functional in the state, of which only 325 centre are housed in government accommodation.