Mandeep Kaur visits Kishtwar; Takes review of ongoing schemes

Inaugurates RDD facilities, leads ‘Swachhta Hi Seva Campaigns’

KISHTWAR, September 23: Commissioner Secretary, Rural Development Department (RDD) and Panchayati Raj, Mandeep Kaur, today visited Kishtwar and conducted a thorough review of progress and challenges being faced in implementing ongoing RDD schemes.

Mandeep Kaur also inaugurated various RDD facilities and led the SBM campaign in various blocks.

During the visit, Commissioner Secretary inaugurated a Segregation Shed in Drabshalla as aprt of Swachh Bharat Campaign. She also participated in a Signature Campaign and led a Swachh Bharat rally, promoting the importance of cleanliness in the community under Swachhta Hi Seva Campaign.

At Shalimar, Commissioner Secretary along with Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar and Director RDD inspected two Community Sanitary Complexes (CSCs). Afterwards, she engaged in the Matti Kalash Yatra and a Plantation drive near Char Chinar of Block Kishtwar, emphasizing environmental conservation.

Mandeep Kour  also visited the LachKhazana Panchayat, where she inaugurated a Block-level Segregation Shed in Indranagar, furthering the Swachh Bharat mission.

On arrival at the DC Office Complex Kishtwar, Commissioner Secretary flagged off 5 Hooper Tippers for sanitation purposes, in line with the Swachh Bharat initiative.

Meanwhile, Commissioner Secretary chaired a comprehensive meeting at DC Office and had discussion with key stakeholders including BDCs and DDCs of District Development Council, Kishtwar, regarding development of the district.

The meeting was attended by DDC Chairperson, Pooja Thakur, Vice Chairperson DDC, District Development Commissioner Kishtwar, Dr. Devansh Yadav, Director RDD, Jammu Mohammad Mumtaz Ali, ADDC, Sham Lal, Joint Director Planning, Mohammad Iqbal,  ACP Kishtwar, Zakir Hussain Wani, ACD Kishtwar, Manoj Kumar, DPO Sunil Bhutyal, DDC councillors, BDC Chairpersons, BDOs,  Executive Engineers ReW, other concerned officers and officials of RDD.

During the meeting, Commissioner Secretary listened to the grievances and concerns of the DDCs and BDCs.

DDC Chairperson, highlighted various issues including pending liabilities, resource persons in RDD Office, residential accommodation and infrastructure for DDC Chairperson Office besides the funds and functioning of PRIs offices, among others.

Other BDCs and DDCs also voiced their concerns and issues related to Awas Plus App, inclusion of left-out beneficiaries, clearance of liabilities and development of Panchayat Ghars.

Commissioner Secretary assured all stakeholders that their genuine issues and grievances would be promptly resolved. She emphasized the resolution of expenditure crisis by making Contingency funds available in the district for PRIs.

Highlighting the pivotal role of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) in local development, Commissioner Secretary exhorted upon the RDD officers to actively involve PRIs in execution of developmental projects. She also stressed upon the importance of monitoring the efficiency of RDD’s field functionaries, emphasizing the need to assess the Annual Performance Report of MGNREGA staff and take corrective measures as necessary.

Regarding enhancement of wages for MGNREGA staff, Commissioner Secretary confirmed that wages had already been increased by 30 percent and would be implemented soon. She also addressed network issues affecting some Panchayats for NMMS and asked for coordination between the District Development Council and administration for timely resolution.

Regarding of vendor payments, she emphasized strict adherence to government guidelines for transparency and accountability.

Commissioner Secretary announced that the second phase of Awas Plus would commence in March 2024, allowing left-out beneficiaries to register. She also called upon PRIs to identify suitable land for constructing buildings for BDCs and DDCs to ensure timely completion.

Later, Commissioner Secretary chaired a review meeting with RDD officers and officials to assess the developmental scenario in the district.

The meeting covered a wide range of topics, including Amrit Sarovars, Shila Phalakam, MGNREGA, PMAY-G, AWAS Plus, UT Capex, ADHAAR seeding, ODF Plus, SBM, 14th FC, District Capex budget, IWMP, UMEED, and the human resource status of RDD in the district.

Mandeep Kaur also inspected ongoing works and assets created under different schemes and directed RDD officials to maintain these for sustainable use in future.

During the meeting, Assistant Commissioner Panchayat and ACD Kishtwar provided updates on appointment of Swachhtagrahies, segregation sheds, dust bins, sanitary complexes, greywater management, community soakage and compost pits.

Commissioner Secretary called for the implementation of a Vibrant Gram Sabha portal and improving various indicators under Amrit Sarovar, Asset Geotagging, PMAY-G, and more.

Expressing satisfaction with the tendering of MGNREGA projects, Commissioner Secretary commended the efforts of District Development Commissioner Kishtwar and the RDD officers and team for their dedication towards completing the tendering process.

Subsequently, Commissioner Secretary ventured to Block Chatroo, inspecting Community Compost pits, a Block Segregation Shed, Amrit Sarovar, and 14FC works. She provided essential guidance and directions to ensure the success of these projects.