DW BUREAU / Chandigarh

On the directions of Chief Minister S Bhagwant Singh Mann, Punjab Chief Secretary Mr Anurag Verma on Friday chaired a Program Steering Review meeting on the World Bank-funded BFAIR Project to improve the financial health of the state by increasing revenue generation, and managing expenses more effectively.

Chairing the meeting, the Chief Secretary said that the main aim is to enhance the State's financial management and institutional capacity. Emphasising the importance of timely completion and adherence to guidelines, Mr Verma called for intensified collaboration and proactive measures to ensure the project's success. He underscored need for Implementing e-governance platforms for better service delivery and strengthening the capacity of municipal institutions.

The Chief Secretary said that the sole aim is to ensure optimum utilisation of the resources for the welfare of the state and prosperity of its people. He said that the state government is committed for the well being of Punjab for which financial prudence is utmost important. Mr Verma asked the officers to ensure that every single penny of the state government is judiciously utilised for welfare of Punjab.

Earlier Concerned department's Administrative Secretaries reported on progress, financial management, capacity building, and challenges faced during implementation. The meeting concluded with a commitment to achieve the project's goals and enhance financial accountability and institutional resilience.

Prominent among others who were present in the meeting included Special Chief Secretary Social Security, Women and Child Department Raji P Shrivastava, Principal Secretary Finance Ajoy Kumar Sinha, Principal Secretary Governance Reforms Krishan Kumar, Secretary Local Government Ajoy Sharma, Secretary Finance Diprava Lakra, Secretary Planning Malwinder Singh Jaggi, Secretary Expenditure Mohammad Tayyab, World Bank's Programme Leader Bhavna Bhatia and Senior Economist Dhruv Sharma.
(editor@dailyworld.in)