J&K’s Samagra Shiksha revitalises projects with Rs 100.16 crore boost

Srinagar, Jan 7: The execution of projects under Samagra Shiksha has got a boost as an amount of Rs 100.16 crore has been released to the J&K Public Works Department (PWD) for the execution and completion of projects approved under the Project Approval Board (PAB) 2023-24.

The funds were released after administrative approval was granted to the works approved during PAB 2023-24 under Samagra Shiksha.

The move comes days after the Greater Kashmir highlighted the delay in the completion of PAB 2023-24 approved works due to the withdrawal of the Engineering Wing from the School Education Department (SED) by the J&K administration.

The decision to withdraw the Engineering Wing in August last year had a cascading effect, leading to setbacks in the completion of crucial projects, impacting the targets set under the Samagra Shiksha scheme.

As per the order, the funds have been released to the Superintending Engineer, PWD (R&B) Circle, and Executive Engineers, PWD (R&B) division for a total of 1643 projects sanctioned during the financial year 2023-24 which include the construction of additional classrooms, boundary walls, and toilet blocks for students.

The officers have been directed that the funds be utilised exclusively for the specified purposes after completing all necessary formalities and procedures.

The order strictly prohibits the re-appropriation of funds and emphasises obtaining administrative approval and technical sanction from competent authorities where required.

“The administrative approval and technical sanction should be obtained from the competent authority, wherever required under norms and the expenditure on this account shall be booked against the head of Civil Works as per the circular No 31-JK (GAD) of 2021 dated August 14 of which reiterates that the executing agency shall ensure that there are no changes in the scope of any work after its commencement," the order reads.

“Any deviation in this regard will be viewed seriously and shall invite disciplinary action,” the order reads.

The executing agency has been asked to ensure that the construction meets the safety norms laid down by the National Building Code of India while the drawing and disbursing officer and implementing agency have been directed to ensure the responsibility of cost, proper quality control and genuineness.

“The construction should provide sufficient provision for children with special needs like ramps, rails and special toilets. The pre-execution and post-execution photographs of the work shall be placed or preserved in records for reference,” it reads.

The order states that the approved work shall be completed within the stipulated period and no deviation of funds from one object of expenditure to another object of expenditure will be allowed.

“The payment should purely be made commensurate to the physical progress made in respect of the construction of the building,” it reads

As per the order, the Monthly Progress Report (MPR) in respect of work along with Geo-tagged pictures have to be furnished by or before the 5th of every month.

The utilisation certificate along with the Red Account would be furnished to the project directorate of Samagra Shiksha within 15 days positively after the completion of the work, by the concerned Superintending Engineer of PWD (R&B).

“Payment should be made strictly within the allotted cost of the Project and before releasing the final payment, handover and take over certificate is mandatory,” it reads.

The order reads that the Chief Accounts Officer of the Directorate of Samagra Shiksha, J&K, would transfer the funds to the concerned Superintendent Engineer and Executive Engineer, PW (R&B) Divisions J&K for timely payments through PFMS.

A copy of the order has been sent to the Chief Education Officers with the instructions that the monitoring mechanism should be developed at the district level through the District Education Planning Officer and Assistant Director Planning.