Stating that empowerment of Panchayats and improving living condition of rural masses is among priorities of the government, the Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Mr. Abdul Haq today called for collective efforts to make rural areas clean and pollution free. He said such efforts will go a long way in preserving the natural beauty and healthy environment of the rural areas and reversal of migration to urban areas.
The Minister said this while addressing a seminar here which was organized by Rural Development Department Kargil. A large number of Panchayat representatives attended the seminar.
Among others, Chairman Legislative Council, Haji Anayat Ali, Executive Councilor for Rural Development, Syed Abbas Rizvi, Executive Councilor for CA&PD, Syed Mujtaba, besides Deputy Commissioner, Kargil Haji Hassan Khan, Director Rural Development Department, Kashmir, Mr. Tassaduq Jeelani, and other officers and eminent personalities of Kargil district were present on the occasion.
Mr. Haq emphasized on close coordination between Rural Development Department and Panchayat bodies so that government sponsored schemes are implemented successfully on the ground and maximum people are benefitted. He also stressed for efficient functioning of the department and ensuring quality works besides judicious utilization of funds so that welfare and development of rural areas is ensured.
The Minister enjoined upon the officers to improve work culture and work with honesty and dedication. He also urged for inclusion of productive projects in MGNERGA scheme for which he assured liberal funding.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
On the occasion, the Minister approved Rs 20 lakh for construction of Panchayat Ghar at Chanigund. He also said money to the tune of Rs 15 crore has been released under MGNERGA for Kargil district which will be utilized for new works in addition to clearing pending liabilities.
During the seminar it was told that during year 2014-15 as many as 16657 Job Card holders were provided 5.20 lakh man-days and 1166 developmental schemes were taken up in the district out of which 490 schemes have already been completed.
The Minister also took stock of the plan for current fiscal under Rural Development and schemes completed in different Panchayats.
The Minister also visited Drass and interacted with the members of Panchayat bodies and took stock of pace and progress of implementation of MGNERGA scheme.
The Minister also met with several deputations who apprised him of their demands and issues.
The Minister gave a patient hearing to all the deputations and issued on spot directions to the concerned for their redressal. During his Drass visit the Minister laid foundation stone of two Panchayat Ghars at Thasgam and Kharbu with each being constructed at a cost of Rs 20 lakh under MGNERGA and 13th Finance Commission award.
Speaking on the occasion, the Minister congratulated the local populace for getting Panchayat Ghars and hoped people would benefit from these Panchayats. He also instructed concerned Sarpanchs to keep a vigil and monitor construction work of Panchayat Ghars and ensure material used in construction is of standard quality.