In a decisive move to accelerate state infrastructure projects, Punjab Finance and Planning Minister Harpal Singh Cheema chaired a comprehensive review meeting at the Mahatma Gandhi State Institute of Public Administration (MAGSIPA) on Friday, issuing strict directives for the regular monitoring, timely completion, and quality assurance of the Rangla Punjab Vikas Scheme.
The Finance Minister firmly instructed the heads of all concerned administrative departments to maintain vigilant oversight over the ongoing development works.Assessing the progress of the first two phases while strategising for the third, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, alongside Punjab Chief Secretary KAP Sinha and Additional Chief Secretary Jaspreet Talwar, mobilised Deputy Commissioners to meet imminent deadlines.
Addressing the Deputy Commissioners present from across the state, the Finance Minister established a strict deadline of July 31 for the completion of all phase one projects and August 31 for phase 2 under the scheme. Furthermore, he directed the DCs to proactively identify and compile a comprehensive list of tasks, incorporating upcoming phase three projects, that can be commenced by August 15.
Reinforcing the government's zero-tolerance policy toward substandard infrastructure, Chief Secretary KAP Sinha outlined stringent accountability measures for the executing agencies. He explicitly directed the Deputy Commissioners to ensure that authentic photographs of the finalised projects are uploaded directly from the field, serving as tangible proof of the workmanship and quality.
The Chief Secretary cautioned that severe administrative action would be initiated against any officials found neglecting their duties or compromising on construction standards. He also directed all ADC(D) to look after the entire work relating to the scheme through their staff.
Complementing these rigorous oversight measures, the Additional Chief Secretary Jaspreet Talwar instructed the Deputy Commissioners to assign constituency-wise responsibilities to Sub-Divisional Magistrates, mandating continuous field visits to personally verify both the pace and the quality of the projects.
The interactive review meeting also served as a platform for the state's Deputy Commissioners to outline their ongoing strategies and ground-level interventions. The district heads presented detailed accounts of the proactive steps currently being implemented in their respective jurisdictions to guarantee the timely execution of this ambitious developmental scheme.
Engaging in a productive dialogue, the Deputy Commissioners offered valuable suggestions and constructive feedback aimed at streamlining administrative processes and further boosting the momentum of Punjab's transformative infrastructural endeavours.