By IANS,
Ranchi : Union Rural Development Minister Jairam Ramesh Saturday questioned the efficiency of the Jharkhand government in implementing welfare schemes in the state.
“There is lack of efficiency on part of the state government. Fund is not a problem, but the state government has to spend the money,” Ramesh told reporters at a press conference here that was also attended by Chief Minister Arjun Munda.
“As far as labour fund utilisation is concerned, Chhattisgarh spends double than Jharkhand. We are ready to release funds, but the state government does not provide us utilisation certificate and audit report on time,” he added.
Ramesh is in Jharkhand to review the rural development schemes in the state.
“Jharkhand is a rich state but people of Jharkhand are poor. We regularly get complaints of NREGA (National Rural Employment Gurantee Act) scheme’s failure in the state,” he said.
However, Chief Minister Arjun Munda said it would be counterproductive to engage in a “blame game”.
“It is not the time for blame game. There is need to think seriously why people of Jharkhand are poor despite the fact that the state is rich,” he said.