Dumka, Dec 27 (UNI) Jharkhand Deputy Chief Minister Stephen Marandi today said departmental secretaries would be held responsible if funds allocated for developmental projects for this fiscal remain unutilised.

Expressing concern over the slow expenditure of departmental funds in the state, Mr Marandi said in last nine months only 30 to 35 per cent money had been spent by various departments.

Speaking at a function here Mr Marandi said, ''The departmental secretaries concerned would be held responsible if they fail to spend the money as there was no dearth of funds for the welfare schemes.'' Mr Marandi, who also holds the finance portfolio, said the FRBM Act had been implemented in the state to enhance its source of income and according to the Act, it was essential to spend the funds earmarked for any fiscal.

Refering to availabilty of mineral resoruces in the state, Mr Marnadi said these resources could lead to employment opportunities for the youth, as number of industrial houses were interested in establishing their units in the state.

Speaking on establishing engineering college here, Mr Marandi said approximately Rs 10 crore had been allocated in the first phase for construction of the college building proposed to be built in the next two years.

UNI