Min warns officials over negligence

Lucknow: UP agriculture minister Surya Pratap Shahi on Monday issued a stern warning to departmental officials, stating that negligence in budget utilisation would invite strict accountability, including recovery of losses from their salaries.Chairing a virtual review meeting, the minister conducted a detailed assessment of departmental schemes for the financial year 2025–26 and directed officials to ensure immediate and optimal utilisation of the remaining funds before the fiscal year ends. According to official figures presented during the meeting, the department had a total budget provision of Rs 8,620.65 crore for 2025–26. Out of this, Rs 7,431.86 crore has already been sanctioned. As of March 30, 2026, an expenditure of Rs 6,432.67 crore has been recorded, amounting to 74.62% of the total allocation. Reviewing centrally sponsored schemes, officials informed that Rs 3,278.50 crore was allocated, with Rs 2,027.49 crore sanctioned and Rs 1,719.15 crore (84.79%) utilised so far. The minister expressed satisfaction over the progress of key initiatives such as the National Crop Insurance Programme (99.59%), Sub-Mission on Agriculture Extension (96.08%), and the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (DPR).Reiterating the govt's commitment to farmers' welfare, the minister asserted that there would be no shortage of funds for farmer-centric schemes.