Context:
Underutilization of allocated funds despite capital-intensive infrastructure projects under PM- ABHIM.
- Budget Estimates (BE) vs. Revised Estimates (RE) trend
- FY25: BE ₹3,200 crore, RE reduced to ₹3,000 crore, only ₹2,007 crore (66.9%) spent till February 2025.
- FY24: BE ₹4,200 crore, RE halved to ₹2,100 crore, actual spending ₹1,805 crore.
- FY23: BE ₹4,176 crore, RE ₹2,100 crore, actual spending ₹1,885 crore.
- Consistent slow pace of expenditure in early phases of the financial year.
Recommendations by the Committee
- Frontloaded disbursement strategy:
- A larger portion of the budget to be released in the first quarter.
- States must submit detailed project implementation plans to access early funds.
- Enhanced state-level support:
- Technical assistance and capacity building to expedite project approvals.
- Regular monitoring to ensure timely execution.
Progress and Delays in Infrastructure Projects
- Total units approved: 13,081
- Completion rate: Only 5,682 units (43%) finished
- Component-wise progress:
- Urban Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (UAAMs): 68% completion.
- Sub-Health Centres (SHCs): 39% completion.
- Block Public Health Units (BPHUs): 31% completion.
- Integrated Public Health Labs (IPHLs): 32% completion.
- Critical Care Blocks (CCBs): Only 3% completion (10 out of 394 units operational).
Major Challenges Identified
- Land acquisition delays, especially for CCBs.
- Slow execution despite efforts like preponing activities and regular reviews.
- Need for improved coordination between the Centre and states for smoother project implementation.
The panel emphasized the need for frontloaded fund disbursement, technical support to states, and strict project monitoring to improve execution under PMABHIM. Despite progress, delays in critical infrastructure like CCBs remain a major concern, necessitating faster approvals and better planning.
