‘Despite centre, ADB nod, Govt fails to avail Rs 4000 Cr loan’

Srinagar: The state government has failed to submit project report to the Asian Development Bank to avail third tranche loan of around Rs 4000 crore.
The centre has already given its clearance in this regard while the Asian Development Bank have agreed for granting of loan of around Rs 4000 crore to Jammu and Kashmir for developmental works.
One of the top officials of Public works department here in the civil secretariat told said that ADB has told the JK government that it would provide loan for improvisation of urban services, water supply, roads and drainage system in the state. “However, the JK government did not submit the project reports despite multiple reminders by the ADB,” the official maintained.
The official said that government of India has also finalised the projects. But the JK government is not concerned for submitting the projects reports to the ADB for final approval,” an official of Public Works Department said.
The ADB provides financing and services to low and middle-income countries to support development and change. Development projects are implemented by borrowing countries following certain rules and procedures to guarantee that the money reaches its intended target.
The official said there has been delay in completion of projects on which work was started under 2nd tranche loan. “The ADB agreed after Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti also raised the issue with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Arun Jaitley,” the official said.
When contacted PWD Minister Naeem Akhtar said that projects reports have been finalized. “They will be submitted to ADB soon,” Akhtar maintained.
However, the official said that World Bank has approved Rs 5000 crore for over 200 projects in Jammu and Kashmir. “These projects were approved after submitting of project reports by the JK government to the World Bank,” the official said.
In this regard, Divisional Commissioner has directed deputy commissioners, director school education, chief education officers of Kashmir region to furnish requisite revenue documents/need assessment certificates/ non-encumbrance certificate, NOCs, etc. without further loss of time so that the projects are started.
“Chief education officers concerned will furnish the requisite “need assessment certificates” and other requisite certificates in respect of the schools identified under World Bank project to the respective deputy commissioners with intimation to director school education,” reads minutes of the meeting held under the chairmanship of divisional commissioner Kashmir.
“Deputy Commissioners will get the revenue papers and non-encumbrance certificates prepared by the sub-ordinate revenue agency and forwards the same to superintending engineers PWD for further necessary action,” it adds.
Meanwhile, CEO ERA when contacted said that Asian Development Mission is visiting here from 18th June to discuss with state government projects and implementation details. He also said that ADB loans are coordinated by ERA in the state.