Minister for PHE, Irrigation and Flood Control, Sham Lal Sharma, today said that an effective monitoring mechanism have been put in place to enforce accountability and transparency in implementation of development works in the state. Addressing the monthly review meeting at Akhnoor, Sham exhorted upon the officers to ensure enhanced basic amenities to the people across the state with focus on rural and far off areas.Sharma asked the concerned authorities to ensure timely and quality completion of development works within stipulated time frame adding that government has resolved to provide concrete assets for the people across the state. He asked the executing agencies to put their sincere efforts in developing the historical places to further boost the tourist influx. He said that all historical monuments of the area will be preserved for the next generations.
Sham said that Prime Minister, UPA Chairperson as well as Chief Minister of the state have always evinced keen interest in making Jammu and Kashmir a model state for which this state is being liberally funded for various projects. He said several projects under PMGSY and ADB funded schemes are going apace in the state adding that schemes for tackling unemployment like SKEWPY have also been launched. Besides, thousands of rural people have been benefitted with the implementation of MGNREGA. He said that a special recruitment drive for the unemployed youth of the area will be conducted soon.
Referring to sports facilities, the Minister said that Sports Council of India has agreed to construct a stadium in Akhnoor and the work on this prestigious project will be started this financial year.Asking the Panchs and Sarpanchs to perform their duties with utmost care and concern, the Minister said that government has given them adequate powers to ensure better development at the grass root level. He said the central government has provided Rs.10 lakh untied fund to each panchayat for development. Responding to local’s needs and demands, the Minister said that government is conscious of their difficulties and rural and far-flung areas are being given focused attention.During the meeting, a two minute silence was also observed to pay homage to the people who lost their lives in Uttrakhand floods.Among others, SE Hydraulic Jammu, Rajeev Malhotra, SDM Akhnoor, Ex. Engineer, PHE, Irrigation and Flood Control, all sectoral officers, sarpanchs and panchs besides prominent leaders were also present on the occasion.