'Meet reforms or no funds for JnNURM'
The Centre, on Monday, criticised the slow pace of reforms in urban project implementation in States and said it would not release further installments for projects financed under the ambitious Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JnNURM) scheme, until reform milestones are met in totality.
Dr M Ramachandran, secretary to the Union Ministry of Urban Development (MuD) who spoke to reporters here, said the Centre is not satisfied with the reforms undertaken by States.
He however, lauded Karnataka and described it a progressive State in terms of utilisation of JnNURM funds, particularly for public transportation projects by Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited, Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation and Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation.
“The decision not to release any further installments has been communicated to all State chief secretaries. No state has a 100 percent performance. However, reforms undertaken do not pose a very happy picture. Reform implementation has not really reached that level we would expect. The range of reform milestones are between 50-60 percent. Many States have a lot of catching up to do” he said.
The Centre, he said, could soon consider commissioning more national level monitoring institutions or project implementation units to evaluate progress of urban infrastructure projects and look at the reforms pertaining to implementation, including those financed under the JnNURM.
Speaking on the outlay under the mission cities scheme, Dr Ramachandran said from Rs 30,000 crore, only Rs 10,000 crore has been drawn.
“Many State governments are yet to spend Rs 20,000 crores for cities, with only two years of the mission remaining. The benefits should reach the people” he pointed out.
DH News Service
Has every rupee been spent?
JnNURM funding for nine urban projects in City
Under pass at Malleswarm Circle - Rs 12.45 crore
Development of TTMC at Jayanagar - Rs 8.89 crore
Augmentation of additional 100 MLD of water - Rs 12.26cr
Bulk flow metering system for Bangalore water supply network - Rs 15.31 crore
Upgradation of sidewalks and asphalting of roads surrou-
nding M G Road area - Rs 43.61 crore
Upgradation of sidewalks and asphalting of roads surrounding Koramangala area - Rs 50.4 crore
Construction of grade separator at Yeshwantpur junction -
Rs 71.57 crore
Construction of underpass at Hennur/Banaswadi ring road junction - Rs 25.43 crore
Construction of underpass at Magadi Road/Chord Road -
Rs 27.82 crore
Total projects under the JnNURM
Projects approved across country in 65 mission Cities : 520
Completed across country : 53
Completed in Bangalore : 9
Outlay of JnNURM for projects in Karnataka
47 projects approved and financed in State
Rs 1,524 crore available
Rs 1,467 crore already committed
Rs 588 crore released
