Staff shortage hinders developmental projects, funds utilization in Tulail block

Bandipora, Jun 7: The Tulail block in Gurez Tehsil, in north Kashmir’s Bandipora district, is currently facing a severe shortage of staff, resulting in the delay of crucial developmental projects and the inability to utilize allocated funds, residents complained here on Wednesday.
The members of the Panchayat Raj Institutions (PRI) expressed their gratitude to the government for regularly providing funds for the development of these remote villages. However, the absence of technical staff and a Block Development Officer has disrupted the progress of developmental works in the Tulail Block.
“Due to the lack of staff, several planned developmental initiatives in Tulail have been negatively affected. The allocated funds, which were intended to improve and develop the region, remain unused due to the inability to mobilize an adequate workforce, Mohd Afzal Lone, a ward member, said.
He said that bills for completed works by PRI members, which were submitted a year ago, have not been processed. This delay is attributed to the actions of technical assistants who have halted the process without providing any reasons.
Furthermore, another PRI member disclosed that last year, 17 lakh rupees under PRI grants expired, leading to disappointment among the people who voted for development in the region. The Block Development Officer responsible for three blocks in Gurez has not visited Tulail for the past three months.
The PRI members have appealed to higher authorities for immediate action to recruit and deploy dedicated personnel. Their goal is to ensure the efficient utilization of PRI funds and bring positive changes to the region.
Meanwhile, Block Development Officer Nazir Ahmad of Gurez acknowledged the staff shortage and its impact on ongoing works. He reassured that they are diligently working to complete assigned tasks on time.
Ahmad stated that he will investigate any pending bills from contractors, and the PRI members will also examine the reasons behind the delay in bill processing despite the completion of work. (KNO)