The Punjab Vidhan Sabha Committee on Panchayati Raj Institutions today emphasized ensuring that the benefits of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Department schemes reach the grassroots level. The direction came during a high-level review meeting held at the District Administrative Complex, Jalandhar, chaired by MLA Principal Budh Ram, the Committee Chairman.
The committee reviewed development works under Panchayati Raj in Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur, and Kapurthala districts. Committee members MLAs Amolak Singh, Gurlal Singh Ghanaur, Santosh Kumari Kataria, and Sukhwinder Singh Kotli, along with Vidhan Sabha Deputy Secretary Jaswinder Singh, Deputy Commissioner Dr. Himanshu Aggarwal, and district officials attended the review meeting.
The committee examined encroachments on Panchayati lands, instructing officials to initiate prompt action to remove them. Evaluating the performance of Self Help Groups (SHGs), the committee stressed strengthening them to empower more women and uplift their living standards.
The Chairman directed immediate release of pending wages under MGNREGA and called for greater transparency in its execution. Officials were instructed to complete targets under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Rural) by August 30, 2025.
Support for Panchayats in projects like stadiums, pond cleaning, libraries, and dharamshala renovations was also discussed. Officials were directed to check treatment plants in village factories with the Pollution Control Board’s assistance.
Congratulating Shahkot Block for winning first prize in the Aspirational Blocks Programme (Zone II), Principal Budh Ram urged other blocks to emulate its performance. DC Dr. Himanshu Aggarwal informed that model playgrounds, parks, and sanitation efforts are underway in villages as per Punjab Government directives.
He assured the committee that the district administration is leaving no stone unturned in rural development efforts. Additional Deputy Commissioners and senior officials from all three districts were also present.