Secretary, Rural Development Department and Panchayati Raj (RD&PR), Mohammad Aijaz Asad, on Thursday conducted a comprehensive review of departmental schemes in Pulwama district.
During the meeting, the Secretary reviewed the status of Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G), National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM), Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP), Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA) and assessed targets and achievements of the district under these schemes.
The review also assessed the status of ongoing projects being funded under the UT Capex budget.
Among others the meeting was attended by Deputy Commissioner Pulwama, Dr Basharat Qayoom besides Director RDD Kashmir, Director Panchayati Raj, Director Finance, SE, Rural Engineering Wing, Joint Director Planning, Additional Secretary RD&PR, Additional Mission Director JKRLM, Deputy Director, Rural Sanitation, Assistant Commissioner Development (ACD), Pulwama and others.
The Secretary held detailed deliberations with Assistant Commissioner Development (ACD), Assistant Commissioner Panchayat (ACP), Block Development Officers (BDOs) and other staff of the department instructing them to focus on achieving the targets set for various schemes.
He highlighted the pivotal role of the Rural Development Department (RDD&PR) in driving the rural economy and generating employment. Highlighting the necessity of enhancing infrastructure in remote areas, the Secretary called for labor-intensive activities to generate employment under MGNREGA and other schemes.
He also stressed the importance of addressing gaps in individual-focused development projects, urging officials to balance community-driven initiatives with individual-oriented works.The Secretary elaborated on efforts to enhance digital connectivity in rural areas through BharatNet Phase 3.
He revealed that 4,291 panchayats would soon be equipped with high-speed internet, transforming them into vibrant centers for education, cultural activities, and governance. The Secretary proposed integrating existing Common Service Centers (CSCs) with broadband-enabled panchayat ghars to expand internet access sustainably.
Aijaz Asad also reviewed the progress of door-to-door waste collection, Plastic Waste Management Units (PWMUs), and other assets established under the Swachh Bharat Mission-Gramin (SBM-G) in the district.
Acknowledging the dedication of field workers, Asad assured them of full departmental support. The Secretary called for a collective effort to address challenges, urging officials and workers to innovate and lead initiatives for labor-intensive and livelihood-generating activities.
He praised the department's role in previous assignments, expressing confidence in its ability to overcome deficiencies and deliver impactful results. The Secretary praised the department’s recent successes, particularly the positive impact rural development schemes have had on transforming lives in Jammu & Kashmir.
Aijaz Asad emphasized the need for close monitoring of key performance indicators, particularly under MGNREGA and PMAY-G. He stressed the importance of regular progress assessments to ensure the timely achievement of set targets.
The Secretary directed the officials to focus on optimal utilisation of available resources to maximise the impact of rural development initiatives in the region. He expressed confidence in the department's ability to deliver on its development goal.
Director RDD Kashmir, Shabir Hussain Bhat, highlighted the importance of community-driven solutions, stressing the need for active participation from local committees and consistent support from relevant agencies to ensure the sustainability of projects.
Earlier, ACD Pulwama, Farhat gave a detailed presentation on the progress of the Rural Development Department and Panchayati Raj (RDD&PR) schemes. The presentation covered several key areas, including the implementation of MGNREGA, PMAY (G), and JKRLM and other schemes in Anantnag.
The Secretary visited the Beekeeping Unit operated by women SHGs under JKRLM, as well as the Modular Office and Home Furniture Unit of JKRLM in the district. Additionally, he inspected the Plastic Waste Management Unit at Kakapora, Pulwama, and engaged in discussions with the Sanitation Committee of Kakapora. The interaction covered various aspects of sanitation management, achievements, and future strategies.