KARGIL, APRIL 02, 2021: Executive Councillor for Tourism, RD, and Zanskar Affairs Er Punchog Tashi chaired a pre-budget meeting of the departments of Tourism, Rural Development and Handicrafts at Council Secretariat here today.

Assistant Commissioner Development Kargil Ghulam Muhammad, Assistant Director Handicrafts Kargil besides the officials of Tourism Development Authority (TDA) Kargil and Zanskar were present in the meeting. 

During the course of the meeting, EC Tashi reviewed the physical and financial progress achieved under various schemes such as State sector, CSS, Capex and Special Development Package/UT Sector Budget up to ending March, 2021.

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Moreover, discussions were also held to finalise the new works to be proposed during the financial year 2021-2022.

The meeting was informed that in case of Tourism Development Authorities (TDAs) out of the approved amount of Rs 1 crores during 2020-2021, expenditure of Rs 58 lacs have been incurred while in Rural Development sector, the approved amount was Rs 8.99 crores out of which the expenditure up to the end of March, 2021 remained Rs 1.78 crores.

Likewise, in case of Handicrafts Department the meeting was informed that out of the approved amount Rs 80 lacs, expenditure of Rs 70 lacs has been incurred till the end of March, 2021. 

The meeting was informed that the prevailing situation of COVID-19 pandemic has brought huge hindrance in the developmental works, due to which the expenditure under Special Development Package could not get achieved up to the mark.

Addressing the meeting, EC Tashi directed the concerned officers to gear up their departments in enhancing the physical and financial expenditure during the current financial year so that the targets are achieved in full thereby ensuring smooth delivery of developmental works and welfare schemes to the common masses.