Secretary, Rural Development Department (RDD) and Panchayati Raj, Mohammad Aijaz Asad, today chaired a review meeting to assess the progress of projects funded under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) and implementation of SNA-SPARSH across Jammu and Kashmir.
The Secretary undertook a division-wise and project-wise review, appreciating the efforts of executing agencies while stressing strict adherence to timelines. He underscored that SASCI projects are critical investments aimed at strengthening rural infrastructure, local governance, and community welfare.
“Our priority is timely completion of these projects to unlock their full economic potential. Every rupee must be optimally utilised, and bottlenecks resolved on priority,” Secretary said. While reviewing SASCI, he informed that loan assistance of ₹21.10 crore has been sanctioned for RDD projects in both divisions.
He highlighted Finance Department directives requiring utilisation of at least 75 percent of the sanctioned amount, with non-viable projects to be surrendered for reallocation. Departments must demonstrate the capacity to incur a minimum expenditure of ₹2 crore during the financial year, failing which funds may be withdrawn.
In the Kashmir Division, four major infrastructure projects have been sanctioned, including residential accommodation for PRIs/Protected Persons at Bandipora and 2-BHK residential apartments with dormitory for BDC at Pulwama. The DDC Office Building at Baramulla has completed structural works, with electrical installations underway, and is targeted for completion by March 2026.
In the Jammu Division, six projects have been approved under SASCI, including construction of the DDC Building at Kishtwar and 2-BHK residential accommodation for DDC/PRI members at Jammu, Birwan (Udhampur), Kambal Danga (Reasi), Kathua, and Poonch.
To ensure smooth execution, the Secretary directed concerned agencies to expedite pending works, resolve land and DPR-related issues, and maintain close coordination with the Finance Department for timely re-appropriation of funds to avoid lapsing of savings.
Reviewing the status of SNA-SPARSH for 2025-26, it was informed that out of 13 CSS/SLS schemes onboarded, mother sanctions have been received for 11 schemes, while two are pending. The Secretary stressed close monitoring to ensure seamless fund flow and directed officers to expedite pending sanctions, bill processing, system integration, FTO generation, and DSC enrolment.
He emphasised that efficient financial management and real-time expenditure tracking are essential to ensure transparency and effective delivery of development outcomes at the grassroots level. The meeting was attended by DG Rural Sanitation Anu Malhotra; Directors RDD Kashmir and Jammu; Director Finance; COO Himayat; Joint Director Planning; Additional Secretary RDD≺ Chief Engineer PW(R&B); Superintending Engineers REW Jammu/Kashmir; and other senior officers.