Parliamentary Standing Committee on Rural Development & Panchayati Raj visits Anantnag

Anantnag, Apr 17: A high level delegation of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Rural Development and Panchayati Raj led by its Chairman, Saptagiri Sankar Ulaka, Thursday visited Anantnag district as part of its nationwide tour to assess the on-ground implementation of centrally sponsored schemes under the Ministries of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj.
The visit focused on evaluating the progress and impact of key rural development initiatives such as the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) and the Lakhpati Didi Scheme among others.
The committee held a detailed interaction with scheme beneficiaries at Akad Park, where the citizens from various Panchayats of the district shared their personal experiences. They highlighted how the these schemes have transformed their lives. The beneficiaries expressed gratitude to the Central Government for launching inclusive and people-centric schemes aimed at uplifting rural communities.
The beneficiaries also offered suggestions for further improvements in delivery of scheme entitlements at the grassroots level.
During the visit, the Committee also inspected several stalls set up by different departments, including the Rural Development Department, highlighting the processes adopted for effective implementation of the schemes. The district and sectoral officers briefed the Committee on achievements, ongoing projects, monitoring mechanisms and innovative practices being adopted to enhance transparency and efficiency.
In addition, the Committee members undertook spot visits to project sites, including infrastructure works completed under Mahatama Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and housing units sanctioned under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY).
While addressing the gathering, members of the Parliamentary Committee reiterated the Government’s strong commitment towards welfare of the rural population. They emphasised that the government is focused on strengthening rural infrastructure, creating employment opportunities and empowering women and self-help groups at the grassroots level.
The Committee was accompanied by District Development Commissioner Anantnag, Syeed Fakhrudin Hamid, Director Rural Development Department, Shabir Hussain Bhat and other officers representing different line departments.
The officials presented detailed data on the district performance under each scheme and the measures being taken to further improve the scheme delivery.
The visiting Committee commended the efforts of the local administration, Panchayati Raj Institutions and frontline workers for their proactive role in implementing various UT and centrally sponsored schemes. They underscored the importance of community participation, transparency and accountability in achieving the objectives of rural development programs.
The Committee assured that the feedback received from beneficiaries would be compiled and shared with the relevant Ministries for necessary policy interventions and improvements in scheme design and execution.
The Committee consisted of 31 members; 21 members from Lok Sabha, nominated by the Speaker, Lok Sabha and 10 from Rajya Sabha nominated by the Chairman, Rajya Sabha.