KNS DESK

Srinagar, Oct 15 (KNS): More than 7,300 houses sanctioned under the Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G) are yet to be completed in Jammu and Kashmir, while 3.21 lakh people have received employment under a rural employment programme, according to figures reviewed by the Rural Development Department.

The data was presented during a meeting chaired by Secretary, Rural Development Department and Panchayati Raj, Ramesh Kumar, to assess the implementation of major rural development schemes across the Union Territory.

According to the figures, 3,34,586 houses were sanctioned under PMAY-G, of which 3,27,210 have been completed, leaving 7,376 houses pending. The overall completion rate stands at approximately 98 per cent.

Kumar directed officials to expedite the remaining houses through district-level monitoring, regular follow-up with beneficiaries and timely resolution of implementation-related issues.

Reviewing the Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin), the meeting was informed that 3.21 lakh people had availed employment, generating 59.19 lakh person-days.

The Secretary directed officials to ensure timely wage and material payments, proper monitoring of works and effective utilisation of funds.

He also raised concerns over errors and discrepancies in the finalisation of digitally prepared village development plans and instructed officials to ensure accuracy and adherence to prescribed timelines.

The meeting also reviewed the Himayat skill development programme, under which 2,032 candidates completed training against a target of 2,248 during the 2025–26 pilot phase.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

Of those trained, 1,378 candidates were reported to have secured appointments, accounting for approximately 68 per cent of those who completed training.

The Ministry of Rural Development has approved a target of 32,480 candidates under the programme's 2025–28 Action Plan.

Under the Integrated Watershed Management Programme, 19 projects covering 69,493 hectares have been sanctioned at a total cost of Rs 194.58 crore.

The meeting was informed that Rs 155.47 crore in central funds had been released, against which cumulative expenditure stood at Rs 137.65 crore.

For 2026–27, Rs 16.07 crore had been spent against an allocation of Rs 32.47 crore, representing nearly half of the allocated amount.

The review also covered sanitation, women's self-help groups, livelihood initiatives and capacity-building programmes under the Jammu and Kashmir Rural Livelihoods Mission.

Kumar directed officials to prioritise rural works according to local requirements, particularly water conservation, drainage, protection structures and connectivity in disaster-prone areas.

Expressing concern over slow progress in certain sectors, he warned that responsibility would be fixed for delays, poor performance and failure to achieve prescribed targets.

He said the performance of district- and block-level officials would be assessed on the basis of their assigned responsibilities and results achieved on the ground. (KNS)