Haryana Development and Panchayats Minister Sh. Krishan Lal Panwar on Tuesday chaired a high-level review meeting of the department at Panchayat Bhawan, Chandigarh. The meeting was attended by Chairpersons of all Zila Parishads in the state, Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of the Zila Parishads, and senior departmental officers.
During the meeting, the Minister conducted a district-wise review of various Saturated Mode Projects, infrastructure development works, and public welfare schemes being implemented under the Development and Panchayats Department and the Rural Development Department. On the occasion, the Cabinet Minister launched two important digital portals of the Development and Panchayats Department aimed at strengthening rural development and improving public service delivery.
Under the 'Samadhan' Portal, the process of regularising residential houses of up to 500 square yards constructed on Panchayat (Shamlat) land before 2004 has been simplified, enabling eligible rural families to obtain legal ownership rights. The second portal, the Haryana Rural Project Management System (HRPMS), will facilitate digital, stage-wise monitoring of rural development projects across the state.
Shri Panwar said both initiatives would enhance transparency, good governance and public service delivery in rural areas. The Minister also reviewed the progress of several key initiatives, including the establishment of Atal Libraries, construction of Phirnis (village peripheral roads), development of yoga centres and indoor gyms, strengthening of Gram Secretariats, development of Shiv Dham, installation of street lights, renovation and repair of roads, implementation of the Mukhyamantri Gramin Awas Yojana (MMGAY), Mahila Chaupals, the Haryana Gramin Vikas Yojana (HGVY), Mahila Sanskritik Kendras, and Amrit Sarovars.
Various flagship schemes being implemented under the Rural Development Department were also reviewed in detail. The Minister also reviewed progress under the Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin), including efforts to make Haryana an ODF Plus Model State, the establishment and operation of plastic waste management units, and the implementation of solid and liquid waste management systems in villages.
Reviewing women's empowerment and livelihood initiatives, Sh. Krishan Panwar assessed the progress of the Haryana State Rural Livelihoods Mission, which seeks to economically empower rural women. Discussions covered targets under the Lakhpati Didi Scheme, formation of Cluster Level Federations (CLFs), activities of Self-Help Groups (SHGs), and livelihood programmes being implemented through these groups at various locations.
The meeting also reviewed CSR-supported initiatives aimed at creating employment and income-generation opportunities for women. The Minister also examined skill development and rural employment programmes. Progress under the Deendayal Upadhyaya-Grameen Kaushaly Yojana, which provides skill training and employment opportunities to rural youth, was reviewed in detail.
Discussions also covered training being imparted through Rural Self Employment Training Institutes (RSETIs), placement of trained youth, and progress relating to bank credit linkage. Sh. Krishan Lal Panwar said the Haryana Government remains fully committed to ensuring comprehensive, balanced and sustainable development of rural areas.
He directed officials to ensure that all public welfare schemes and development projects are implemented effectively within the stipulated timelines so that rural citizens receive their full benefits.
Emphasis on Timely and Quality Execution of Development Works
The Minister directed officials to accord top priority to pending works related to the Chief Minister's announcements as well as unresolved Jan Samvad matters. He directed that all development works be completed within the prescribed timeframe while maintaining the highest standards of quality, transparency and accountability, thereby further strengthening the pace of development in rural areas.
He made it clear that there would be no tolerance for negligence, unnecessary delays or laxity in executing development works, and urged all officials to discharge their responsibilities with utmost seriousness and commitment.
Submit Utilisation Certificates on Time for Smooth Flow of Grants
The Cabinet Minister directed officers to ensure 100 per cent timely utilisation of grants received under the State Finance Commission and the Central Finance Commission. He said that Utilisation Certificates (UCs) and other required documents relating to previously released funds must be submitted promptly to ensure uninterrupted release of fresh grants.
This, he said, would ensure a continuous financial flow for development projects and help accelerate implementation.
Focus on Planned and Effective Utilisation of Central Funds
Emphasising prudent budget management, Sh. Krishan Panwar said the Central Government is providing substantial financial assistance for development works. He directed officials to ensure that these funds are utilised in a planned, transparent and effective manner within the stipulated period.
Available resources, he said, should be optimally utilised to transform villages into modern, well-equipped and self-reliant communities. 'Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) [VB-G RAM G]' to Give Fresh Momentum to Rural Development
The Minister directed the officers to organise training programmes for Sarpanches and other Panchayati Raj representatives to ensure effective implementation of 'Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) [VB-G RAM G]'. He informed that 318 works would be undertaken across the state under the scheme, which was launched on July 1.
A 60-day implementation period has been prescribed, and a biometric attendance system will be introduced to ensure transparency. The scheme will be funded with Rs 590.19 crore from the Central Government and Rs 300 crore from the State Government.
The Minister further directed that the list of all 318 approved works be prominently displayed at Panchayat Ghars.
Rural Development Among the Government's Highest Priorities
Sh. Krishan Lal Panwar said the Haryana Government is continuously working for the holistic development of rural areas. The Government, he said, is committed to strengthening rural infrastructure, expanding public amenities, empowering women and youth, and ensuring that the benefits of development schemes reach the last person in the queue.
He urged officers to implement development works in mission mode so that the benefits of development and prosperity reach villages across the state in a comprehensive manner. Director, Development and Panchayats Department, Sh. Anish Yadav, Director, Rural Development Department, Ms Amrita Singh, and other senior officers also attended the meeting.