VIJAY GOEL TAKES OVER AS MOS STATISTICS & PROGRAMME
IMPLEMENTATION
In order to provide fillip to the Prime Minister’s
vision of economic development, social justice and effective implementation
and monitoring of various projects, the Minister of State in the
Prime Minister’s Office, Shri Vijay Goel took additional charge
of the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation.
After assuming the charge, Shri Goel emphasised
the need of timely execution of the identified projects to avoid
cost overruns. He stated that he would like to fulfill the expectations
of the Prime Minister by making effective intervention and fixing
accountability for achieving the purpose of timely completion
of projects. The money spent on these projects are by the people
for their welfare and it must be spent judiciously and with proper
accountability.
Till March 2002, Ministry of Statistics and Programme
Implementation is monitoring 458 projects for the country. Most
of the projects are related to the strengthening of infrastructure
sector. Their delayed completion, not only increases the overall
cost, it also neutralises many of the intended benefits and impedes
the economic growth. The estimated cost of the projects at hand
is Rs. 2,04,278 crore. Till March 2002, an expenditure of Rs.
61,279 crore have already been made. Out of them, 154 projects
have been delayed by 1 to 204 months. The cost overrun of 288
projects has been escalated by 70.3 per cent from their approved
initial cost.
Minister of State expressed his concern about
such delays and desired to have a comprehensive look into the
implementation part. Shri K.K. Jaswal, Secretary, Ministry of
Statistics and Programme Implementation, was present, along with
other officials of the ministry on the occasion.