Union Minister for Rural Development & Panchayati Raj , Chaudhary Birender Singh reviewed the progress of Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojna (PMGSY) for Punjab, Haryana & Himachal Pradesh here today at Punjab Bhawan Chandigarh.On the onset of the meeting, the Minister made it clear that State wise projects related to PMGSY may be thoroughly assessed by each State and sent to the ministry on or before March 31, 2016. He assured that funds would be released for all projects submitted well in time.During a detailed presentation by Mr. Rajesh Bhushan, Jt. Secretary Ministry of Rural Development & Panchayati Raj GoI on various aspects of Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojna, a comparison of status of PMGSY on various fronts like targets, physical progress, achievements etc. were discussed.Punjab got a pat on the back for best average length construction per day amounting to 2.02 km per day as against 1.73 km of Haryana and 1.32 km of Himachal Pradesh during 2014-15.On this occasion, stress was laid on the need for regular maintenance of rural roads along with their construction. Union Minister of Rural Development & Panchayati Raj suggested the formulation of Rural Roads Maintenance Policy by each of the states (RRMP) for the same.State of Punjab was once again appreciated for being one among the eleven States of the country to have formulated the Rural Roads Maintenance Policy whereas Haryana was lauded for usage of New Technology in construction of roads.
However the representatives of all the participating states vociferously advocated for a share of Centre government in the repair & maintenance of roads.Speaking on the occasion, the Minister for PWD(B&R) Punjab, Mr. Janmeja Singh Sekhon, Minister for Agriculture, Jathedar Tota Singh and Minister for Rural Development Punjab, Mr. Sikander Singh Maluka jointly raised certain issues pertaining to rural roads. They made a request for the approval of additional target of up gradation of approx. 1500 Km Rural Roads under PMGSY-II and new connectivity for 295 habitations having population less than 500 for the state of Punjab. A request was also made to accord approval for relaxing the condition of Right of way (RoW) from 10.00 mtr. to 8.38 mtr for upgradation of Rural Roads. Permission for construction of phirnies in all villages with concrete pavement along with drains and approval for construction of metalled roads along the Canals/Distributaries in Punjab was also sought.
The matter pertaining to relaxing the condition of population and land width requirement in case of districts falling along the International Border for the convenience of people living in the Border belt and free movement of security forces along the Border was put forth. Besides, approval for construction/ upgradation of roads to provide connectivity to the villages situated on both sides of the interstate boundary and the widening/reconstruction/ remodelling of existing Bridges on the Rural Roads in Punjab was also taken up.Besides, the CPS from Himachal Pradesh, Senior officials from Himachal Pradesh and Haryana, Additional Chief Secretary PWD Punjab, Mr. NS Kalsi, ACS Rural Development, Mr. Suresh Kumar, Secretary Mandi Board, Mr. TPS Sidhu were present on the occasion.