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Agriculture
Audit Finds Jammu & Kashmir Public Works Dept Underutilizing NABARD Funds
✍️ Kashmir Life
🗓 08 Oct 2026, 08:46 PM
👁 13
An audit of the Jammu and Kashmir Public Works (Roads and Buildings) Department has highlighted a low utilisation of funds allocated by NABARD, raising concerns over delayed rural infrastructure projects.
The recent audit of the Jammu and Kashmir Public Works (Roads and Buildings) Department revealed that a substantial portion of the funds provided by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) remains unspent. The audit report, cited by Kashmir Life, points to a pattern of low utilisation across multiple schemes funded by the development bank.
According to the findings, the department has not been able to channel the allocated resources into the intended rural infrastructure projects within the stipulated timelines. While the exact quantum of unutilised money was not disclosed, the report describes the shortfall as significant enough to warrant corrective action.
The under‑utilisation raises concerns about the effectiveness of project implementation and the potential impact on rural livelihoods that depend on improved roads and building facilities. NABARD, which aims to boost agricultural productivity and rural development, may reassess future disbursements to the department if utilization does not improve.
In response, officials from the Public Works Department have been asked to submit a detailed utilisation plan and a timeline for clearing pending projects. The audit underscores the need for stronger monitoring mechanisms to ensure that central and state funds reach the ground level promptly.
Stakeholders, including local contractors and community groups, are watching the developments closely, as timely execution of these projects is critical for connectivity and economic growth in the region.
According to the findings, the department has not been able to channel the allocated resources into the intended rural infrastructure projects within the stipulated timelines. While the exact quantum of unutilised money was not disclosed, the report describes the shortfall as significant enough to warrant corrective action.
The under‑utilisation raises concerns about the effectiveness of project implementation and the potential impact on rural livelihoods that depend on improved roads and building facilities. NABARD, which aims to boost agricultural productivity and rural development, may reassess future disbursements to the department if utilization does not improve.
In response, officials from the Public Works Department have been asked to submit a detailed utilisation plan and a timeline for clearing pending projects. The audit underscores the need for stronger monitoring mechanisms to ensure that central and state funds reach the ground level promptly.
Stakeholders, including local contractors and community groups, are watching the developments closely, as timely execution of these projects is critical for connectivity and economic growth in the region.