Jammu : Minister for Agriculture Production Department, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Cooperative and Election Department, Javid Ahmad Dar, Wednesday said that assets developed under rural programs must serve the public interest, adhere to the stipulated annual timelines and genuinely reflect the needs of local communities.
During a review meeting in Jammu, the Minister evaluated progress on key programs, including the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana – Gramin, SBM-G including O&M Policy, RGSA, WDC-PMKSY-2.0 ( IWMP), Infrastructure for DDC/BDC and DDU-GKY-Himayat. The Minister emphasized the urgent need for reforms in the Rural Development Department (RDD) to align with public expectations, noting that 70 percent of public sentiment is tied to the effectiveness of rural development programs. He expressed particular concern for marginalized families under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), directing officials to ensure timely payments, complete e-KYC processes, and maintain strict oversight of projects. The Minister highlighted the ongoing water scarcity in the upper Jammu kandi belt and advocated for MGNREGA to be leveraged for creating water conservation structures and improving irrigation. He also addressed the issue of delayed payments for beneficiaries under the Indira Awaas Yojana (IAY) and Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), instructing the department to resolve these delays and ensure that genuine beneficiaries receive their entitlements. The Minister called for a zero-tolerance approach to corruption and inefficiencies within the RDD, stressing the importance of transparency and accountability. During the review of MGNREGA, the Minister assessed district-wise performance metrics, including timely payments and social audit coverage, while officials reported on various infrastructure projects completed in the current financial year. He reiterated the need for MGNREGA to focus on water conservation and livelihood assets, especially in drought-prone areas. In reviewing the Swachh Bharat Mission-Grameen (Phase-II), the Minister examined the verification of Open Defecation Free (ODF) Plus model villages and waste management initiatives. He highlighted the necessity for improved rural sanitation through community waste systems and effective waste collection. The meeting also covered the Revamped Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA), where progress on Panchayat Ghars and capacity-building programs was discussed. The Minister noted advancements in the construction of Panchayat Ghars but urged for expedited execution and timely data submission for the Panchayat Advancement Index. Additionally, the Minister reviewed watershed development projects across 17 districts, emphasizing community participation and the timely execution of related works. He was informed about collaborations with local universities for resource management and project evaluations. The Minister assessed the physical and financial progress of skill training programs under Himayat, calling for enhanced counseling and quality training to improve youth placement outcomes. The Secretary of the RDD provided updates on ongoing initiatives aimed at enhancing rural life in Jammu and Kashmir, with participation from various officials through video conferencing.