Nagpur: Maharashtra govt has tightened financial discipline for public infra projects, directing depts to account for their past spending and outstanding financial commitments before seeking approval or funds for new civil works. The move is aimed at ensuring fresh projects are not sanctioned without considering existing liabilities and govt’s ability to finance them.Under a finance dept circular issued on Tuesday, all administrative depts have been instructed to strictly follow the planning dept’s guidelines while granting fresh or revised administrative approvals for civil works. The norms cover a wide range of public infra including roads, highways, bridges, tunnels, railways, airports, dams, storage reservoirs, water supply schemes, sewerage projects, flood-protection works, canals, govt buildings, electrification and repair works.Before seeking release of funds, depts will now have to furnish average actual expenditure incurred over previous 3 financial years. They will also be required to disclose total pending liabilities carried forward from last financial year, along with fresh liabilities created during current year. Finance dept has made it clear, proposals lacking these details may not be processed, with responsibility for incomplete submissions resting entirely with concerned administrative dept.Same financial disclosures must also form part of every infra proposal placed before the cabinet or a high-powered committee, ensuring both ongoing and proposed commitments are assessed before major projects receive administrative and financial clearance.The circular also warns failure to adhere to the prescribed guidelines could lead to restrictions on release of funds under relevant budget heads. This effectively means depts that fail to provide a complete financial picture, risk delays in obtaining funds for new projects.The decision is expected to have implications for civic infra planning across Maharashtra, including Nagpur, where multiple transport, road, water supply, and public infra projects are at various stages of execution or planning.
