Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Abdul Haq has stressed on making the Grahm Sabhas vibrant by creating awareness about their important role in ensuring development at the grassroot level. The Minister said this while taking a review of the physical and financial achievements in the Rural Development sector in Budgam district.MLC Saifudin Bhat, DDC Budgam Mir Altaf Ahmad, Director Rural Development Tassaduq Jeelani and other senior officers were present in the meeting.The Minister was informed that 3081 works were taken up during the current financial year out of which 1688 works stand completed at a cost of Rs 17 crore. It was also informed that under IAY, out of the target of 1208 houses to be constructed during the current fiscal, 474 houses were constructed.
The department has also completed construction of 35 Panchayat Ghars while 16 more Panchayat Ghars are under construction.Abdul Haq asked the officers to utilize MGNREGA funds for creating productive assets in the rural areas catering to the area specific developmental needs. He directed to ensure that funds under MGNREGA are utilized for improving connectivity in villages, flood protection works and creating durable assets in the villages.The Minister asked the concerned officers to identify land in the peripheries of the district for construction of a community hall under the convergence scheme. Minister also laid stress on making the villages Polythene free.He said the government has already empowered BDO’s and Panchayat Officers to seize Polythene in their respective jurisdictions. He asked them to take strict action against the violators and also to generate awareness about the issue.Laying stress on bringing transparency in the execution of works, Abdul Haq asked the officers to take the concerned legislators into confidence before taking up any work for execution to ensure all stakeholders are involved in the development process.The Minister directed the concerned officers to ensure that funds are optimally utilized adding that the officers and field functionaries should perform their duties with utmost dedication.