Focus on timely completion of works: DC Anantnag to RDD

Anantnag, Sep 1: The Deputy Commissioner (DC) Anantnag, Dr Basharat Qayoom Thursday held the first in a series of departmental reviews scheduled in September, reviewing the functioning of the Rural Development Department and progress in implementation of the District Development plan.
Speaking on the occasion, the DC said that there is unprecedented focus on rapid transformation of the rural landscape through development works. He said that with the advent of the PRI system, the development plan is essentially a manifestation of the people’s wishes and the department must be fully committed in implementing the plan in a time bound manner.
He said that focus should be on ensuring good quality of workmanship during execution and facilitating community benefit.
Dr Basharat also interacted with BDOs to discuss local impediments to plan implementation and issued directions to ensure smooth implementation.
Asst Commissioner Development Anantnag assured the chair that the department is working day and night and is leaving no stone unturned to ensure that the public money is spent towards welfare of the residents of Anantnag. He said that the works are being regularly inspected by concerned officials and there are strict directions for employees to ensure public accessibility in providing services.
The chair was informed that 2,223 works at a cost of Rs 41.9 crores have been approved under District CAPEX in the present fiscal and of these, more than 85 percent stand estimated and approved. While 225 works have already been completed, most of the other works are tendered and presently under execution. The chair was assured that these works will be completed as per stipulated timeline.
Regarding MGNREGA, the chair was informed that more than 4 lac person days have been generated by engaging around 20000 persons from 13000 odd households. It is pertinent to mention that labour payments for all these works were made within 8 days of engaging the person.
The chair was informed of progress under B2V3 in which more than 50 percent works stand completed, allotment and completion of houses under PMAY (G) and the IEC activities being carried out under SBM G in the district.
The chair while reviewing the implementation of the plan block wise directed concerned block officers and AEs to ensure that expenditure is incurred after proper verification of works done and in a time bound manner. He said that any unnecessary delays on this count will invite penal action against the defaulting officers.
He also emphasized that works under flagship Amrit Sarovar project are important and must be taken up on priority. He said Amrit Sarovar works must be completed before 2nd October.
BDOs were directed to do meetings with PRI members and conduct Gram Sabhas and chalk modalities for solid waste management and plastic waste management at each Panchayat. ACP was directed to finalise modalities.
The DC stressed upon involvement of SHGS/ youth groups. Ex Engineer REW was directed to ensure all tendered works are allotted within two weeks.
The review was attended by ADDC, Joint Director Planning, ACP, Ex Engineer REW, BDOs and AEs from all community development blocks of Anantnag.