PWD to return money meant for building schools, hospitals

Crucial funds that could have been used by the public works department (PWD) to construct schools, hospitals, flyovers and develop unauthorised colonies could go unused, sources have said. HT reports.

Crucial funds that could have been used by the public works department (PWD) to construct schools, hospitals, flyovers and develop unauthorised colonies could go unused, sources have said.

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It was found during a review held on Monday that the PWD had been able to spend only 40% of the funds allotted, the sources said.

Around Rs.839 crore allotted to the PWD for the construction of hospitals, schools and infrastructure development will be returned. Another Rs.200 crore, earmarked for development of unauthorised colonies, has also remained unspent, the sources said.

Delhi chief minister Sheila Dikshit has asked departments to complete developmental projects, according to the sources.

“PWD officials said they would not be able to spend the amount that was allocated to them. Funds were allocated for infrastructure projects such as repairing school and hospital buildings as well as constructing new ones,” said a Delhi government official.

Delhi PWD minister Raj Kumar Chauhan was not available for comments.

Officials said that out of Rs.15,000 crore allocated for plan expenditure, the government had been able to spend only R5,981 crore between April and November.