Secretary, Rural Development Department (RDD) and Panchayati Raj, Dr. Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, today convened a review meeting regarding implementation of RDD schemes in Rajouri district. The meeting had a detailed evaluation of progress achieved under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana Gramin (PMAY-G) and AWAS plus, Swachh Bharat Mission Gramin (SBM-G) and Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP) among other initiatives.
Regarding implementation of MGNREGA, it was informed that out of the target of 2,758,044 person-days for the period ending March 2025, 95,993 person-days have been generated as of now. The Secretary emphasized the need to accelerate the progress to meet the annual targets.
While taking note of the delayed payments under MGNREGA, he asked the BDOs to ensure timely payment of wages under MGNREGA. Regarding PMAY-G and AWAS Plus, the meeting was informed that out of the total target of constructing 62,314 houses, 41,372 houses have been completed, so far.
The Secretary also reviewed the status of construction of panchayat ghars. It was informed that out of 38 panchayat ghars, the work on 12 panchayat ghars has been completed. He emphasized upon the officers to expedite the remaining construction works for speedy completion.
Concerning the IWMP, it was revealed that out of 228 projects, the work on 201 projects has been completed. He also asked to submit the supplementary DPRs under IWMP in convergence with MGNREGA.
The review of SBM-G activities included discussion on solid waste management, door-to-door waste collection in Panchayats, community soakage pits, community compost pits, individual soakage pits and grey-water management. The Secretary emphasized the significance of rural sanitation and asked the concerned officers to make added efforts to sustain the ODF Plus status.
Regarding the NRLM, the meeting was informed that there are 6,415 Self Help Groups (SHGs) in the district. The Secretary exhorted upon the officers to prepare GPDP plans by involving all line departments.
He stressed on exploring convergence of all central schemes to create quality assets and increase livelihood of rural assess. The Secretary also reviewed the construction of food grain stores, with the information that 10 food stores are to be constructed in the district.
He also discussed construction of Anganwadi Centres under convergence with MGNREGA and asked the ACD to submit the list of Anganwadi Centres that can be constructed through this convergence. Regarding onsite inspection of works, the Secretary emphasized the importance of maximum onsite work inspection to ensure effective implementation of rural development schemes.
The Secretary also stressed the importance of conducting social audits timely to ensure transparency and accountability in implementation of rural development schemes. Dr. Shahid Iqbal underscored the need for concerted efforts and synergy among stakeholders, advocating for collaborative strategies to maximize the impact and efficiency of rural development programs.
He directed the officers to align their endeavors towards the common goal of uplifting the rural communities. The Secretary was accompanied by the Director RDD Jammu, Mumtaz Ali and Technical Officer PMAY-G , Mohammad Riaz.
The meeting was attended by DDC Rajouri, Om Prakash Bhagat, ADDC, Raj Kumar Thapa, GM DIC, Fareed Kohli, CPO, Maqsood Ahmed, ACD, Vijay Kumar, DSEO, Sandeep Sharma, DPO, Mohd Nawaz Choudhary, Executive Engineers REW and Jal Shakti Nowshera and other concerned officers.