Delay in release of Central health fund
SHILLONG: Health and Family Welfare Minister, Roshan Warjri on Wednesday informed the Assembly that the Accountant General (Audit), Meghalaya has been requested to expedite the process of auditing for early release of the Central Grant-in-Aid under Centrally-Sponsored Scheme of Infrastructure Maintenance.
Replying to a cut motion moved by UDP MLA Paul Lyngdoh and TW Chyne in the House on Wednesday on the nonpayment of salary to officers, staff, doctors and ANMs etc., Warjri said that the salary of all the staff is released directly by the Government of India as a Grant-in-Aid under Centrally-Sponsored Scheme of Infrastructure Maintenance. However, the release of fund under this Scheme is subject to submission of audit certificate to the Union Ministry.
“While audit certificate till the Financial Year 2012-13 has been submitted, the same for 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16 is yet to be made available to the Ministry. The Accountant General (Audit) Meghalaya has been requested to expedite the audit process,” she said.
According to Warjri, the matter was also taken up with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, wherein a letter was sent by the Chief Minister to the Union Health Minister earlier this month seeking early release of fund under the Scheme.
She further said that the Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Infrastructure Maintenance was provided by the Centre to strengthen family welfare programmes in Meghalaya and the State Family Welfare Bureau is functioning at the state headquarter as an administrative unit for implementation of family welfare programmes in all districts.
“There are also family welfare bureaus at the district levels for implementation of various family welfare programmes,” she added.
Stating that there are 872 officers and staff, appointed under CSS in the family welfare bureau both at the State and the district level including doctors, ANMs, LHVs and other supporting staff, she added that the provision of quality healthcare is of utmost importance and the government is committed to deliver.