more-in Local bodies that drew flak at the recent District Planning Committee (DPC) meeting over the poor utilisation of annual plan funds have flung back at critics, citing technical issues. The heads of local bodies have complained that planning authorities were unreceptive to several innovative schemes and sanction was denied at the last minute. “We had proposed two innovative schemes – the implementation of the green protocol, and the setting up of satellite dairy farms. Both the projects were denied approval at the last minute. Now, we have to resubmit the projects,” said P.M. Ramya, the president of Kunnamangalam block panchayat. She said the panchayat’s total fund utilisation was 7.63%, the lowest among block panchayats. Ms. Ramya said the planning department’s time-consuming procedure for project approval was yet to be rectified. “As part of the green protocol initiative, we had a plan to promote eco-friendly wedding feasts without the use of plastic material. Even plates were purchased to be rented out as part of the project. However, it was rejected citing technicalities,” she said. P.V. Kavitha, the president of Onchiyam grama panchayat, which recorded the lowest plan fund utilisation at 6.26% in Kozhikode district, said the lax attitude of some government officers in project monitoring and execution continued to be a challenge for optimum utilisation of funds. A big investment project, the distribution of bio-bins and other accessories as part of a zero-waste project, failed to take off due to unexpected technical hurdles, she said. Bad weather The panchayat authorities said the interruption of some major road works due to unfavourable weather also affected the total plan fund expenditure. Koyilandy municipal authorities held the rollout of GST responsible for the poor use of funds as contractors entrusted with various public works were boycotting it citing a huge decline in profit. “We could have easily improved the 9.78% expenditure rate if works had been carried out on time,” said N.K. Bhaskaran, the chairman of the standing committee on development. Over the last two months, no major work above ?5 lakh was carried out and it hit the total plan fund utilisation, he added.

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