Secretary, Rural Development Department (RDD) and Panchayati Raj, Mohammad Aijaz Asad, emphasised the need for renewed commitment from officers and field staff to ensure the effective and timely execution of government schemes, stating that the ultimate objective of all development initiatives is to deliver maximum benefits to the common people.
During his visit to Poonch, Secretary conducted a comprehensive Panchayat-wise review of major Centrally Sponsored Schemes, including MGNREGA, PMAY-G, SBM-G, NRLM, RGSA, IWMP and allied programmes. He directed officers to expedite project execution, address grassroots-level bottlenecks and ensure steady progress across all schemes.
Stressing the need to prioritise works of public importance, he called for ensuring that every eligible beneficiary receives rightful entitlements. Highlighting the importance of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana–Gramin (PMAY-G), Aijaz Asad instructed officials to complete all pending houses within stipulated timelines, noting the scheme’s role in supporting homeless and vulnerable families.
He also reviewed the status of e-KYC, Awas Plus 2.0, CD and Panchayat works, RGSA, TSP Plan and Self-Help Group (SHG) activities, besides other key programme components. Reiterating the importance of strict financial discipline, the Secretary stressed the need for seamless fund flow, enhanced utilisation capacity and timely submission of Utilisation Certificates (UCs) to ensure uninterrupted implementation of schemes.
During the meeting, it was informed that nearly 15,612 assets were completed under MGNREGA during the financial year 2025–26. Under PMAY-G, 48,736 houses were constructed, while 114 works were completed under UT Capex and CD & Panchayat, and 500 works under the District Capex.
Earlier, District Development Commissioner Poonch, Ashok Kumar Sharma briefed the Secretary on the progress of ongoing developmental works and departmental initiatives. The meeting was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner Tahir Mustafa Malik; Assistant Commissioner Development Shakeel Ahmed; Executive Engineers, Block Development Officers and other field officers.
Scheme heads and officers of the Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Department also participated through virtual mode. As part of the visit, Aijaz Asad also inaugurated development projects worth ₹1 crore in the Haveli constituency.
These included the Plastic Waste Management Unit at Jhulass Lower near the Panchayat Ghar in Block Poonch and ten Water Harvesting Tanks under PMKSY 2.0 in Block Sathra. He also laid the e-foundation for the Common Facility Centre Building at Village Gagrian in Block Mandi, along with sixteen additional Water Harvesting Tanks under PMKSY 2.0 developed in convergence with MGNREGA in Block Sathra.
These initiatives, he said, reflect the Government’s continued focus on strengthening rural infrastructure, promoting sustainable development and ensuring timely and efficient service delivery to the people.