Assam CM asks all state depts for timely submission of utilisation certificates
Guwahati: In the changing economic scenario of the country, Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Friday called upon chartered accountants to educate people on sound financial management.
Speaking at a national conference of Chartered Accountants here, Sonowal said chartered accountants should play a greater role in educating the common public on prudent financial management, especially in the wake of demonetisation move of the Centre.
The Chief Minister said, “Demonetisation is indeed an operation towards making a corruption free India by cracking down on corruption and hoarding of black money.” “In the post demonetisation period, the chartered accountants should take up the role of generating awareness among the public for prudent financial manage-ment, which can discourage hoarding of currency notes vis-a-vis other related evils, thereby contributing to a corruption free country,” Sonowal said.
He also called upon the chartered accountants fraternity to play a role in the financial management of cooperative societies and panchayati raj institutions as they are very important in sensitising inclusive growth.
Welcoming all delegates of the conference ‘Mantrana-towards excellence’ to Assam, Sonowal requested them to visit the world famous rhino habitats Kaziranga National Park, Manas National Park and Pabitora Wildlife Sanctuary to experience the development of Assam in sync with nature.
Institute of Chartered Accountants of India president M Devaraja Reddy also addressed the meeting attended by chartered accountants from across the country.
Meanwhile, the chief minister has directed various state government departments to submit utilisation certificates on time of funds allotted by the Centre so that demands can be placed for more funds.
Speaking at a meeting held here for reviewing the utilisation status of central funds, Sonowal instructed the departments to submit utilisation certificate on time so that development of the state could be sped up.
Directing the departments concerned to conduct a survey of the market demand for different items produced in the state and imported products, the Chief Minister instructed the Agriculture Department to prepare a Vision Document outlining the roadmap for boosting the agriculture sector of the state and to put in place a transparent system for seeds distribution.
Observing that Assam’s growth was hampered by various natural calamities like floods as the state only gets six months time to complete infrastructure related schemes, he directed speedy completion of repair works of river embankments damaged by this year’s flood.
Saying that delay in obtaining environmental clearances hamper the swift implementation of develop-mental activities, Sonowal directed the Forest Depart-ment to take necessary steps to solve environ-mental clearance related issues on an urgent basis.
He also directed the Forest Department to hold fortnightly meetings to clear pending issues and directed the officials to work closely with the Water Resources Department for increasing revenue collection. (PTI)