Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader Keisham Meghachandra has expressed serious concern over the delay in release of funds for the financial year 2025–26, not less than ₹600 crore allocated under the 15th Finance Commission.
Addressing media persons at his residence in Babupara on Wednesday, Meghachandra stated that the failure to disburse funds on time has adversely impacted several welfare and development programmes in the state. He pointed out that many initiatives meant for public benefit are facing setbacks due to financial constraints arising from the delay.
He observed that key schemes linked to Panchayati Raj institutions, including MGNREGA, as well as pension schemes such as old age, widow, and government employees’ pensions, are being affected, causing inconvenience to the beneficiaries.
Raising questions over the non-release of the 15th Finance Commission grants, Meghachandra termed the situation as a matter of concern and sought clarification from the government on the reasons behind the delay. He cautioned that continued lapses in fund management could hamper the overall development process of the state.
The CLP leader also voiced concern over the delay in expansion of the state cabinet, alleging that external factors may be influencing the decision-making process. He noted that the limited number of ministers currently handling multiple departments could affect administrative efficiency.
Referring to the provisions of the 91st Constitutional Amendment Act, he noted that the total number of ministers in a state should not exceed 15 pc of the strength of the Legislative Assembly, with a mandated minimum of 12. In contrast, he said, the present government has a four-member Council of Ministers, including two Deputy Chief Ministers.
Meghachandra urged the authorities concerned to take immediate steps to release the pending funds and ensure that welfare schemes are implemented without further delay.
