Chandigarh: In a significant boost for the UT, the Union ministry of home affairs has authorised Punjab governor and UT administrator Gulab Chand Kataria to sanction amounts of Rs 100 crore and above for development projects sanctioned by the Centre for Chandigarh.With this, projects approved by the Centre will not have to wait for separate approval from the ministry for the release of grants. Powers related to the tendering exercise have also been delegated to the administrator.A communication from the MHA to the Chandigarh administration reads: “I am directed to state that in respect of each project above Rs 100 crore, which has been appraised and approved by the minister in charge and finance minister, cabinet committee of the cabinet concerned, the competent authority has decided to delegate full powers to the administrator for inviting tenders, approving tenders, awarding contracts and post-contract management for such approved projects, without referring the proposals to this ministry.”While releasing the amount, the administrator will have to check the availability of funds and the status of existing funds of the Chandigarh administration.The MHA has also underlined the role of senior officers dealing with the finances of Chandigarh in this exercise.The department of expenditure, ministry of finance, has minutely assessed all aspects of the move, aimed at maintaining consistency in major development projects.Sources in the Chandigarh administration said the city has rarely had projects worth Rs 100 crore and above in the recent past. One such project, the flyover at the Sector 29/31/Industrial Area roundabout, was scrapped by the Punjab and Haryana high court in May.“However, since the UT is looking for major development projects in the future, the decision to delegate financial powers to the administrator for projects approved by the Govt of India will help expedite the pace and ensure timely completion of the works,” sources in the Chandigarh administration said.MHA’s conditions for power delegation–Consultation: The administrator shall exercise the delegated powers in consultation with the secretary, finance, financial adviser or equivalent of the UT.–Budget provision: Adequate budgetary provision shall be ensured before awarding a contract.–No further delegation: The delegated powers shall not be further re-delegated.–Compliance: Compliance with all codal provisions and formalities shall be ensured.
