Asad directs faster fund utilisation, closer monitoring of flagship schemes
Srinagar :Secretary, Rural Development Department (RDD) and Panchayati Raj, Mohammad Aijaz Asad, Tuesday chaired a comprehensive review meeting to assess the implementation of the SNA-SPARSH framework across Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS), directing officers to secure Mother Sanctions on priority and ensure timely utilisation of funds for seamless implementation of flagship rural development programmes.
The Secretary emphasised that with the SNA-SPARSH framework now in operation, all Scheme Heads must focus on resolving technical bottlenecks and strengthening financial management to ensure uninterrupted fund flow and timely execution of schemes. He directed all Scheme Heads to personally monitor both physical and financial progress and ensure that implementation remains on track.
Aijaz Asad reviewed the status of fund flow, SNA-SPARSH account onboarding and expenditure under major schemes, including VB-G RAM G, PMAY-G, Swachh Bharat Mission-Grameen (SBM-G), Revamped Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA), National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM), PMKSY-IWMP.
The meeting was attended by Director General, Rural Sanitation, Anu Malhotra; Mission Director, NRLM, Shubhra Sharma; Director, Panchayati Raj, Riyaz Ahmad Wani; Director Finance, Umar Khan; Chief Operating Officer, Himayat, Rajneesh Gupta; Chief Executive Officer, IWMP, Rajnish Kumar; Joint Director, Planning, Kamal Kumar Sharma and Deputy Director, Rural Sanitation, Shabir Ahmad Hakak.
The meeting was informed that during 2026-27, the department has so far received ₹552.29 crore, which has been released to the respective Scheme Heads. Reviewing the implementation status of SNA-SPARSH, the Secretary was informed that while 17 Scheme-Level Single (SLS) accounts have been opened with the Reserve Bank of India across six Centrally Sponsored Schemes.
Aijaz Asad further instructed that funds should be released immediately upon receipt of sanctions and their utilisation monitored closely, noting that future releases from the Government of India are contingent upon timely expenditure of funds already released.
Taking serious note of concerns regarding the PMAY-G beneficiary list, the Secretary said strict action would be initiated wherever any genuine beneficiary is found to have been excluded or any ineligible person included. He reiterated the department’s commitment to transparency, accountability and fairness in beneficiary selection.
The meeting also reviewed technical issues affecting bill processing under SNA-SPARSH. Officers highlighted instances of bill rejections arising from data mismatches. The Secretary was informed that the matter has already been taken up with the concerned for early resolution of all such pending issues.
He further instructed officers to close or convert into zero-balance all legacy scheme accounts no longer required under the SNA-SPARSH framework in accordance with Finance Department guidelines and ensure proper reconciliation and accounting of recovery amounts lying in such accounts.
The Secretary reiterated that effective implementation of Centrally Sponsored Schemes requires proactive leadership, close monitoring and sound financial management. He called upon all senior officers and Scheme Heads to accelerate implementation, improve financial performance and ensure timely, transparent and accountable delivery of benefits to the people.
