Bhubaneswar: A one-day orientation on Neo Financial Management for accountants working in the urban local bodies in the state was held here on Wednesday. Speaking on the occasion G Mathi Vathanan, Principal Secretary, Housing and Urban Development department said that transparent, disciplined and proper financial management is the key for development.
“The expectation of general public is very high. We all have to rise to the occasion without any hesitation. In the process we have to spend the budget allocations and it should be in a proper way. From 2023-24, the ULBs are to receive 15th Finance Commission grant but the ULBs must be eligible and fulfill the criteria as defined by the Centre,” Mathi Vathanan said.
“Here the role of Accountants is very important. They all should rise to the occasion, be sensitive in dealing with the public and ensure no offline transaction is allowed. The SUJOG platform is to be used properly. They must release the dues in a specific time period defined,” he added.
The Department Secretary further said that there should be no dereliction in handling with finance. “There is timeline for release of payments. Any deviation would be seriously viewed,” cautioned Mathi Vathanan.
Further while emphasizing on implementation of MUKTA action plan for 2023-24 in 115 ULBs and expenditures thereof advised on submission of utilization certificates in due time which is very important. “In the changing scenario, when we are going for a huge expenditure, maintaining a team-work is desirable, he advised. Henceforth, the performance of accountants will be monitored vigorously. We have a dedicated Mo Sahar cell to monitor the ULBs by way of direct feedback from the community partners, beneficiaries, and general public also. So it is advised the accountants to be very much sincere.”
“The submission of utilization certificates, compliance to audit para and audit of accounts is also crucial. Accountants have a big role to play. It is their foremost duty to attend and comply with properly. The department is ready to extend handholding support to them always.”
Among others, Sangramjit Nayak, Director- Municipal Administration, Sarada Prasad Panda, Joint Secretary, Sanjay Pramanik, OSD-CUM-Special Secretary and Sikha Biswal, Financial Advisor, spoke on the occasion. The accountants working in 115 ULBs attended the workshop.
