Mumbai, Sep 10 (PTI) The Maharashtra government has sanctioned Rs 1,800 crore for works related to the upcoming Nashik Simhastha Kumbh Mela, directing that funds be used strictly for approved objectives of the event after receiving proper clearance, officials said Thursday.
Last month, police uncovered an alleged scam of Rs 305 crore related to fake work orders for the Kumbh Mela and arrested several persons.
As per a government resolution (GR) issued by the urban development department on Thursday, the Rs 1,800 crore is the remaining amount from the total Rs 3,000 crore supplementary demand approved during the legislature’s monsoon session.
Earlier, Rs 283 crore, Rs 717 crore, Rs 501.40 crore, Rs 396.60 crore and Rs 1,200 crore had been released in various stages for Kumbh Mela-related works, according to the GR.
It lays down conditions for utilisation of the sanctioned funds, stating that the amount must be spent only on works covered by the approved objectives of the Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Kumbh Mela.
The funds should be used in accordance with guidelines and norms issued by the finance department from time to time, the delegation of financial powers and other instructions and conditions.
The responsibility for compliance has been assigned to the chairman of the Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Kumbh Mela Authority and the divisional commissioner, Nashik, the GR said.
It also stipulates that the funds should be released to the concerned agencies or spent only after the relevant works receive administrative and technical approval from the competent authorities. After the expenditure is incurred, utilisation certificates are required to be submitted to the government immediately, the GR said.
The expenditure will be met from the provision available under the relevant budget head for planning and implementation of the Simhastha Kumbh Mela. PTI ND GK
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