As a part of the pioneering initiative to create sustainable assets in rural development sector, Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Abdul Haq today inaugurated Common Facilitation Centre (CFC) and Apna Panchayat Ghar at Hudipora and playfield at Heewan here.Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said in a maiden initiative the Rural Development Department has initiated the process of setting up a CFC in each constituency through convergence of funds from the 13th Finance Commission award and MGNREGA. He said each CFC would be constructed at an estimated cost Rs 50 lakh and the facility would be used by the people of the catchment area for social functions like marriage ceremonies etc. He said each CFC will include a main hall, washroom and pantry facilities and shall be completed within one working season.
Abdul Haq said it is for the first time that the funds in rural development sector are being used fruitfully to create productive assets instead of allowing the money to “go down the drains.” He said in the same way MGNREGA funds would be also utilised to create productive assets in villages.The Minister made it clear that he won’t allow misuse of funds in rural development sector on political considerations, a practice which was rampant during the previous regime. He said under the new concept of convergence of funds, sustainable assets are being created under MGNREGA in the rural areas instead of resorting to futile works on political considerations.The Minister said several initiatives are in pipeline on developmental front to ensure all round transformation of the developmental landscape of Jammu and Kashmir. He said the productive use of funds in rural development sector will be instrumental in changing socio-economic profile of the people living in the rural areas, besides creating much needed employment opportunities.
Asking people to come forward and to get actively involved in day to day governance by providing feedback about implementation of various schemes, the Minister said that it is prime responsibility of the government to provide all basic facilities at doorstep of common people.The Minister also laid foundation of Mini Stadium at Heewan, Playground at Delina and Panchayat Ghar at Delina.The Minister was informed that while the playfield at Delina will be completed at a cost of Rs 60 lakh, the Mini Stadium at Heevan will be developed at a cost of Rs 55 lakh and the Panchayat Ghars at Delina and Hudipora will be constructed at a cost of Rs 20 lakh each.The Minister was accompanied by MLA Baramulla Javaid Hassan Beigh, Director Rural Development Kashmir, Tassaduq Jeelani, Assistant Commissioner Development Baramulla, Executive Engineer REW, District Panchayat Officer and Block Development Officers.