402 crores for payment of ‘upadhi’ salaries.

Prajashakti-Amaravati Bureau: The State Government has provided administrative sanction of Rs 402.56 crore for payment of employment guarantee wages through the first tranche of central assistance under VB Gramji for the current financial year. Kantilal Dande, Special Chief Secretary, Panchayat Raj and Rural Development Department issued an order to this effect on Friday. According to the order, these funds will be used to pay wages directly to the recipients’ accounts through the DBT-touch system. The government has allowed the release of these funds until additional grants are sanctioned, relaxing treasury and quarterly expenditure controls. The government has directed the Panchayat Raj Commissioner and the Rural Development Department to monitor the utilization of funds in accordance with the guidelines laid down by the central government. It is also proposed to promptly submit documents confirming the use of funds. The government in its order has clarified that these funds must be spent only with the permission of the authorities and that the next budget will not be published until a receipt is received from the preparer.