Secretary RDD reviews MGNREGA, SBM, JKSRLM plans in Poonch

Discusses convergence plan with all stakeholder departments; asks for completion of pending works by March, 2024

POONCH, FEBRUARY 26: Secretary, Rural Development Department (RDD) and Panchayati Raj, Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, on Monday convened a comprehensive meeting to deliberate on convergence plan for the upcoming fiscal year.

The meeting brought together stakeholders from various departments to assess progress and plan for schemes like MGNREGA, SBM, IWMP, RGSA, PMAY, NRLM, and other centrally sponsored initiatives in the rural infrastructure sector.

The Secretary directed the officers to formulate next year’s plan in convergence with allied departments such as agriculture, horticulture, forest, fisheries and irrigation. He reviewed key performance indicators of schemes like MGNREGA, PMAY-G, SBM-G, IWMP, and JKSRLM, stressing the need for substantial improvement within a week’s time.

Emphasizing enhanced convergence with different sectors, especially agriculture and allied fields, the Secretary highlighted the importance of resource optimization and expanded coverage. He asked for timely completion of pending works from the fiscal year 2021-22 by March 31st, 2024, particularly focusing on SBM initiatives like segregation sheds and solid waste management, which are pivotal components of Government of India’s flagship program.

Addressing the urgency surrounding border bunkers’ construction in Poonch, Dr Shahid asked for ensuring residents’ safety and security, urging for prompt completion of ongoing projects.

Furthermore, he directed for enhanced collaboration between the Fisheries Department and RDD to address gaps in fish pond construction.

Reviewing progress under PMAY-G and AWAS Plus, the Secretary directed the officials to ensure timely achievement of set targets. Similarly, detailed project reports for new Panchayat Ghar buildings and feasibility reports for new villages/Panchayats under IWMP were mandated for submission.

Under UT Capex, construction progress on BDC buildings was reviewed and directions were issued to engineering staff to expedite the pace on works. Instructions were also issued for effective execution of SBM-G activities such as waste management, soakage pits, greywater management, and installation of dustbins.

Dr Shahid stressed the need for concerted efforts towards uplifting rural communities, advocating for synergy among stakeholders to maximize impact and efficiency.

Addressing a delegation’s concern regarding pending payments for border bunkers under SRE, he assured early resolution.

Dr Shahid was accompanied by the Director RDD Jammu, Mumtaz Ali, Director Panchayati Raj J&K, Sham Lal, and Technical Officer PMAY-G, Mohammad Riaz.

The review meeting was attended by Deputy Commissioner Poonch, Yasin M Choudhary, ADDC, ADC, ACD, ACP, DFO, CAO, CHO, CSHO, CAHO, PO IWMP, SE(R&B) Poonch, Executive Engineers REW and  I&FC, AD FCS&CA, AD Fisheries  and all Block Development Officers.