SBM.. JMC fails to utilize central funds, Over Rs 40 Crore lying unspent

JAMMU: Despite widespread publicity and various initiatives by the Centre Government to promote 'Swachh Bharat Mission' (SBM), the Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) has failed to utilize funds provided by the New Delhi under the ambitious mission as more than Rs 40 crore are lying unspent by the Corporation for cleanliness and to create awareness among the people.

Reliable sources informed that the JMC, which was formed in October 2018, has failed to devise programmes and schemes to utilize central funds as per the laid down guidelines under the ambitious 'Swachh Bharat Mission' programme.

"The JMC has failed to utilize over Rs 40 crore provided by the Modi Government to promote 'Swachh Bharat Mission' and also to create awareness among the people in this regard, which is mandatory as per the ambitious programme," official sources informed The News Now.

Due to failure of the Jammu Municipal Corporation to utilize funds provided under Swachh Bharat Mission', the central government has not released further funds. As per the laid down guidelines under 'Swachh Bharat Mission', the JMC has to devise awareness programmes, chalk out programmes for cleanliness drives in all the wards falling in its jurisdiction, involve Non Government Organizations and civil society groups, beautify the areas/parks through different ways, improve lanes/drains, improve sewerage system, put in place a Solid Waste Management system besides meeting other targets so as to avail further funds, sources informed.

They, however, said that the JMC has failed to devise programmes in the last one year to chalk out programmes for utilizing funds provided by the central government under 'Swach Bharat Mission'.