Bangalore:The non-utilisation of funds allocated by the Centre to the state rural development and panchayat raj (RDPR) department has resulted in the funds lapsing for the year 2011-12.

Speaking to reporters after a meeting with the RDPR Vigilance and Monitoring committee here on Wednesday, RDPR minister H.K. Patil said he had directed the committee to make optimum use of the funds.

The monitoring committee expressed displeasure over the under-utilisation of the total Rs 6,275 crore allotted for implementing 12 RDPR schemes in the State.

“These schemes include MNREGA, PMGSY, WGDP among others. Of the Rs 6,275 crore, only Rs 4,875 crore has been spent and the remaining Rs 1,400 has lapsed,” Mr Patil said.

“Although the officials defended the under-utilisation attributing it to elections, the members of the monitoring committee were not satisfied. Asking for a detailed explanation on why the funds were not utilised, the committee asked the officials to ensure that funds do not lapse in future.

The members also pointed out that the CAG report too had referred to the under-utilisation,” he said.