The Minister confirmed that the new online mechanism will enforce a strict 10-day deadline for approvals by the head office.

Minister Sanjeev Arora Sets 10-Day Deadline and New Online System to Track Local Government Projects

Punjab Local Government Minister Sanjeev Arora has announced the introduction of a new online system, including the e-Nigam software, to eliminate delays in the approval of civic body projects. During a review of Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), it was found that over 1,100 resolutions had been pending for years, with some dating back to 2018. Minister Arora stated that 900 of these pending resolutions have already been cleared within the last three weeks.

The Minister confirmed that the new online mechanism will enforce a strict 10-day deadline for approvals by the head office. Additionally, financial approval powers for officials have been doubled to expedite field-level execution. 

Superintending Engineers (SEs) are now empowered to accord financial approvals up to Rs 2 crore, an increase from the previous limit of Rs 1 crore. Proposals for the release of funds are also mandated for approval within 10 days.

Addressing infrastructure maintenance, Minister Arora noted that the tender process for sewer line cleaning has been initiated for 161 ULBs, with major Municipal Corporations in Amritsar, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Bathinda, and Patiala in final tendering stages. To ensure accountability, Chief Engineers have been put in charge of different areas. 

The Minister emphasized that these steps are crucial for desilting sewerage lines before the monsoon to prevent waterlogging in housing colonies.

Source: Times of India