Of sanctioned 33 cr, MC used only R5 crore

The Panchkula municipal corporation spent only Rs 5.42 crore on development works till December 2013, of the earmarked Rs 33.57 crore for the entire budget for 2013-14.

This in the in the budget papers before the local body councillors on March 3.

Over the next three months, the local body is expected to spend at the most Rs 4.29 crore, meaning that more than 29% of the sanctioned money for development will be used, with 71% remaining unused.

In 2012-13, development work of Rs 32.06 crore were got done.

When contacted on the issue executive officer OP Sihag replied, “It is true that we were able to spend just Rs 5.42 crore till December 2013 of the MC funds. However, we have spent about Rs 27.

18 crore on civil development works out of government grants. The MC funds will be carried forward.”

POOR PLANNING

On a number of heads where money was earmarked in the budget like fire brigade extension, construction of meat market, construction/maintenance of slaughter house, construction/repair of cattle pound, construction/repair of community centres, purchase of tractor trolley and dustbins, shifting of milk dairies and renovation of library, not even a single penny was spent.

“Non-spending of funds is a reflection of the incompetence of the MC officials. Even as money was available, nothing was spent,” said CB Goel, councilor from ward no 9.