Director, Rural Development Department Jammu, Sudarshan Kumar Verma, today visited various areas of Panchayat Halqa of block Bishnah and Suchetgarh and inspected several construction and other development works being executed under MGNREGA.Pertinently, the Director undertook the tour in the backdrop of MHA decision of allowing selected additional activities in rural areas outside containment zones to mitigate the economic hardships being faced by the public due to lockdown.The Director said that department’s endeavour is to give an impetus to rural economy and facilitate employment of labour in rural areas. He added that resuming development activities in the J&K UT, Rural Development Department (RDD) has started various works under flagship employment guarantee scheme MGNREGA to provide much needed mandays to rural populace amid the COVID-19 pandemic.The Director said that the works are being executed as per the guidelines issued by the district administration for protection against COVID-19 pandemic besides the Department is also actively involved in distribution of masks among the rural masses.
Director, during his visit to Panchayats- Karyal Brahmana, Laswara, Deoli and Sehoura-A, inspected various ongoing works under the category of water conservation. During his visit to Panchayat Chak Avtara, the Director inspected ongoing work on lanes and drains at village Jinder Khurd being constructed at a cost of Rs 12 lakh.The Director also inspected various other works including desilting of khal at Nikowal, renovation works of Panchayat Ghar and lanes and drains at Sai Khurd under 14th FC scheme. He also enquired about the plantation drive at cremation ground at Jabwal and other adjoining areas.On the occasion, the Directed said that RDD is playing a pivotal role in the containment of corona virus in rural areas through mass awareness. The department is working in close coordination with District Administration in the management and containment of COVID-19 in rural areas, he added.Among others, SE RDD, Executive Engineer RDD, ACD, AEE RDD, BDOs Bishnah, Arnia and Suchetgarh and other concerned officers accompanied the Director during the visit.