Poonch : Member of Legislative Assembly Haveli, Ajaz Ahmed Jan chaired a meeting held Saturday at the Dak Bungalow Poonch to review the implementation and progress of the Rural Development Department (RDD) schemes in the district.
The meeting was attended by the Assistant Commissioner Development (ACD), Assistant Commissioner Planning (ACP), Executive Engineer REW, Block Development Officers of all Blocks, along with district-level RDD officers and staff. Former Panchayati Raj Institution (PRI) members and representatives from civil society also participated.
Taking a comprehensive review of flagship schemes including MGNREGA, PMAY–G, Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM–G), District Capex and UT Capex, he inquired about physical and financial progress, ground-level implementation, fund utilization and execution challenges. Emphasis was laid on ensuring transparency, adherence to quality standards, convergence and timely completion of works.
The MLA appreciated the effective and efficient administration of the Rural Development Department under the leadership of the Commissioner Secretary RDD. He further acknowledged the department’s sustained efforts in extending benefits to the grassroots level, especially in far-flung and border areas. He stressed the need to plan development works with an optimum cost-benefit approach and advised to avoid fragmented and small works to create need based, durable and high-impact assets.
The MLA further emphasized the need for early completion of ongoing works and directed the department to prepare a comprehensive, realistic and inclusive development plan for the upcoming financial year by taking all stakeholders on board. He also appealed to the members of civil society to extend full cooperation to the department to ensure smooth execution of developmental activities at the Panchayat and block levels.
During the interactive session, public representatives and participants raised issues related to timely issuance of job cards under MGNREGA, delays in the tendering process and drinking water scarcity in certain Panchayats.
The MLA assured that the genuine concerns and developmental demands highlighted during the meeting would be examined and taken up with the concerned authorities for early and appropriate resolution.
