Anil Sharma, Rural Development and Panchyati Raj Minister said that effective and speedy implementation of Flagship programmes being sponsored by Central Government would be ensured to benefit all eligible people of the State.
Shri Anil Sharma was presiding over the two days State level Annual Conference of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Department here today. He also reviewed the Central Government sponsored programmes being implemented in the State.
He said that to provide ample employment opportunities in the rural areas, strengthen the economic status of the people, environment protection besides conservation of natural resources were the top priority of the Government. The financial assistance under Rajiv Awas Yojna had been increased to Rs. 75,000 per unit during this fiscal from Rs. 48500, he added. He expressed concern over the under utilization of funds under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Scheme (MNREGA) in some Gram Panchayats of the State. He stressed on the proper utilization of funds and quality of works being done under the Scheme. He said that timely payments should be made to the daily wagers under the Scheme and in case any official was found guilty of making delayed payments then strict action should be taken.
Anil Sharma directed the officers of the Department for taking effective steps for ensuring community participation in the implementation of Watershed Management Programme, besides, speeding up the progress. He stressed on effective implementation of Swaran Jayanti Gram Swarojgar Scheme and National Rural Livelihood Mission Scheme aimed at poverty alleviation. The Minister said that Nirmal Bharat Abhiyan was being implemented in the all districts of the State by constructing toilets and carrying out solid waste management activities for better health and clean environment in the State. He stressed on the active participation of the people under this programme so that the State could attain 'Open Defecation Free' status. He directed the officers to maintain the details of beneficiaries under Indira Awas Yojna at 'Awas Soft'. He said that effective steps should be taken to implement the MNERGA in all panchayats of the State besides, ensuring the training of elected representatives of PRIs under Rural Development Programmes.
Earlier, Dr. A.R. Sihag, Principal Secretary, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj stressed on improvement and ensuring the quality of flagship programmes of Centre Government being implemented in the State. He hoped that the deliberations in the Conference would be useful for framing new directives for effective implementation of various programmes.
Shri J.C. Chauhan, Director, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj welcomed the Chief Guest and detailed about the different programmes being implemented by department. Shri Rajiv Sharma, Additional Director, conducted the proceedings. Shri Sohan Lal, Chief Parliamentary Secretary, Panchayati Raj, Shri Inder Dutt Lakhanpal, Chief Parliamentary Secretary, Rural Development, Smt. Purnima Chauhan, Director, HIPA, Shri D.D. Sharma, Additional Director cum Special Secretary, Panchayati Raj and senior officers of the Departments were also present on the occasion.