The development works should be expedited so that its benefits could reach the people well within time as dilly-dallying of development works for months together is the root cause of corruption. This was stated by the Chief Minister, Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu while presiding over the state-level meeting 'DISHA' here today.
He instructed the officers to work vigorously for the remaining period of this calendar year to endow the benefits of development to the eligible beneficiaries and also gave instructions to prepare a performance index of every department besides reviewing the various center sponsored schemes being implemented in the state.
While reviewing the projects of the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI), the Chief Minister emphasized for refurbishing and aligning the Shimla-Parwanoo National Highway (NH) and directed the state authorities to keep this road open for the ensuing apple season. As far as Kiratpur-Manali NH is concerned single lane has been opened for traffic, he said.
The Shimla-Mataur NH will also be made four-lane in times to come, he said. Speaking on the occasion, he said that special focus would be laid on construction of tunnels and bridges adding that two tunnels would be made between Shalaghat and Nauni.
He also directed the concerned department to work towards slope protection to reduce the risks of landslides, wherever required. A detail Project Report (DPR) of Taradevi bypass is also being prepared, said he.
A sum of Rs. 1290 crore has been spent in the state under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee (MGNREG) Act in the year 2022-23 and 81.15 lakh working days have been created. He also stressed on transparency by ensuring biometric attendance in the scheme.
It was informed in the meeting that around 3727 works were sanctioned under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, out of which 3485 works have been completed till 26 May, 2023 and 2512 habitations have been linked with roads. He instructed to audit the length of the roads under the scheme.
The Chief Minister directed to expedite the cases under Forest Rights Act, 2006 and Forest Conservation Act 1980 (FCA) to ease the implementation of major schemes of the state government, besides expediting the centrally sponsored schemes.
Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister, Anirudh Singh said that Chief Minister's futuristic vision was focused on the upliftment of backward classes and women so as to benefit them more. Earlier, Secretary Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Department, Priyatu Mandal welcomed the Chief Minister.
MLA Malender Rajan, Secretaries and Heads of various departments also participated in the meeting.