UP to get new account officers

With a view to keep an eye on funds utilisation and to prevent their misuse, the Uttar Pradesh government has appointed account officers in offices of Chief Medical Officers (CMO) in 14 districts.

"Account officers have been appointed by the Finance Department in 14 districts. An order in this regard has been issued yesterday," an official said here on Wednesday.

The move came in the backdrop of murder of CMO, Family Welfare B P Singh and detection of large scale anomalies in utilisation of National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) funds in the state.

Two ministers--Health Minister Anand Kumar Mishra and Family Welfare Minister Babu Singh Khushwaha-- had resigned on moral grounds after detection of financial discrepancies in their departments.

With the appointment of account officers, the state government wants to keep a tab on funds in both health and family welfare departments, sources said.