Haryana Rural Development Fund
Important Facts of the News
- The SOP applies to Executive Engineers, Block Development and Panchayat Officers, and Sub Divisional Officers across Haryana.
- HRDF funds are released for rural development works after approval by the Chief Minister.
- Gram Panchayats can receive funds for works up to Rs 21 lakh.
- Estimates from Gram Panchayats will be checked by Chief Engineer-II, HQ.
- Estimates from Executive Engineers will be verified by CE-I, HQ.
- Bills will be forwarded to AO, HRDF and counter-verified before payment release.
- Payments require geo-tagged photos at three stages, inspection report, and uploading of Measurement Book.
- No advance transfer of funds will be allowed to avoid fund parking.
- Funds will stay in the Parent SNA account and be drawn against cleared bills.
- The SOP is effective immediately.
Overview
A new Standard Operating Procedure has been introduced for managing the execution and payment of development works funded through the Haryana Rural Development Fund. The arrangement aims to ensure clarity, accountability and systematic processing of project proposals and bills for rural areas across the state.
Process for Approval of Estimates
Under the new mechanism, all works in rural areas requiring HRDF assistance will continue to be approved after scrutiny. Gram Panchayat proposals valued up to Rs 21 lakh will be reviewed by the Chief Engineer-II at the headquarters before being sent forward for administrative consideration. Similarly, estimates prepared by Executive Engineers will be examined by CE-I at the headquarters for further processing.
Submission and Verification of Bills
Once the works progress and bills are ready, they will be submitted directly to the Accounts Officer of the HRDF. The ADO HRDF along with the concerned Chief Engineer at headquarters will verify the documents before forwarding them to the Managing Director for payment authorization. Payments will be released online only after verification.
Mandatory Requirements for Payment Release
- Geo-tagged photographs must be uploaded at three stages: at the start of work, halfway progress, and after completion.
- An inspection report must be provided. For Panchayat works, the report should be prepared by the Sub Divisional Officer. For Executive Engineer works, the report should be prepared by the Executive Engineer.
- The Measurement Book must be uploaded on the designated portal.
Fund Handling and Work Commencement
Funds will not be given in advance to implementing agencies. All funds will remain in the Parent Single Nodal Account and will be drawn only against approved bills. This step is intended to prevent idle accumulation of funds at any subordinate level. Execution of works should begin only after the formal sanction and release of funds.
Implementation
The SOP is applicable with immediate effect. All concerned officials are required to follow the procedures strictly to ensure transparency and smooth functioning of development works in rural areas supported under HRDF.