Srinagar 16 June(KNS): The Rural development department Kashmir on Tuesday accorded the release of funds on account of honorarium in favour of DDC Chairpersons, Vice Chairpersons and DDC members of Kashmir as per the rates fixed by the government for six months.

In a communique, a copy of which lies within the possession of Kashmir News Service reads, " Sanction is hereby accorded to the release of funds to the tune of Rs. 136,76 Lacs ( Rupees One Crore Thirty Six Lakh Seventy Six Thousand Only ) on account of 017 - Honorarium, Remuneration in favour of Chair Person, Vice Chair Person, DDC Member during the current financial year 2020-2021 to District Panchayat Officers and for its further placement to concerned DDOs.

The communique also reads that the release order of funds is subject to fulfillment of terms and conditions.

The terms and conditions as per the communique are that the allotment of funds should not be construed as an authority, approval for incurring of any expenditure violation of codal provision, financial rules and instructions issued by Government from time to time.

 "The expenditure shall be strictly made as per Govt.order No. 70 - RDD & PR of 2021 dated : - 08.3.2-21  and the expenditure shall be made in accordance to Govt.order No.117 F of 2021 Dated ; - 31.03.2021", it reads.

However it also reads that no diversion of funds shall be made under any pretext whatsoever and no advance payment shall be made out of the funds and expenditure be incurred only when due.

"The DDO will ensure that no remuneration sitting fee is drawn in favour of the District Development Council whose cases are Sub - Judice before court of law other forums",it added.

The DPOs as per the communique has been directed that the monthly expenditure drawl statement shall be submitted to  directorate of RDD by or before 5th succeeding month. 

The funds are not diverted from one unit of appropriation to another and shall not exceed under any circumstances and the DDO will ensure that Honorarium is paid to DDC's every month as per the rates fixed by the Govt, it added.

Pertinently, Jammu & Kashmir government had finalized honorarium for chairpersons, vice-chairpersons and members of the district development councils.

Honorarium of Rs 35000 per month for chairperson  was finalised while Rs 25000 and Rs 15000 were finalised for vice-chairperson and member  respectively.(KNS)