At 2.24%, J&K lowest user of Covid funds in region

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, January 4

J&K has emerged as the poorest performer of the region when it comes to spending of the funds available to under the Covid-19 Emergency Response and Health System Preparedness Package approved by the Union Cabinet on July 8, 2021 to create infrastructure in the wake of the third wave.

The health ministry data show that while J&K has spent 2.24%, Ladakh 7.41%, HP 9.94%, Chandigarh 27.77%, Haryana 60.13% and Punjab 87.45%. Only five states have reported over 50% expenditure. These are Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal.

Nationally, states and UTs have spent 19.42% of the funds under the scheme aimed to prevent, detect and respond to the pandemic threat and strengthen health systems to avoid the kind of crisis hospitals faced at the height of the third wave.

The Centre has so far released 50% of the funds earmarked for states/UTs. The scheme is to be implemented from July 1, 2021 to March 31,2022. Under the scheme, Rs 20,308.70 crore are to be spent by states out of which Rs 12,185.70 crore is to be provided by the Central Government and Rs 8,123 crore by the state governments.

Punjab, Haryana among best performers

• States and UTs have used 19.42% of the funds earmarked under the Covid-19 Emergency Response and Health System Preparedness Package.
• Punjab (87.45%) and Haryana (60.13%) are among the best performers.

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