BUDGAM: Secretary, Rural Development Department (RDD) & Panchayati Raj, Mohammad Aijaz Asad, today conducted an extensive tour of Budgam district to review the physical and financial progress of various ongoing developmental works being executed under different rural development schemes.
During the tour, the Secretary visited several key project sites in Budgam and Khansahib blocks, emphasising the importance of timely completion, quality execution and optimum utilisation of public funds.
The tour commenced with a visit to the Regional Extension Training Centre (RETC), Budgam, where Aijaz Asad held an interaction with all the Block Development Officers (BDOs) of Budgam and Khansahib blocks.
The Secretary stressed upon the officers to ensure early completion of developmental works while adhering to the set timelines and scheme guidelines.
Subsequently, the Secretary inspected the under-construction District Development Council (DDC) Building located near the Office of the Assistant Commissioner Development (ACD), Budgam. The project has an estimated cost of ₹253.29 lakh, against which an expenditure of ₹94.95 lakh has been incurred, so far.
The Secretary reviewed the pace of execution and directed the executing agency to expedite the remaining works without compromising on quality.
The tour then proceeded to Panchayat Halqa Shoolipora in Block Budgam, where the Secretary inspected construction of a concrete protection wall at Aastan Syed Musa Deewan, being executed under CD & Panchayat schemes. The project has an estimated cost of ₹131.93 lakh. Against this, releases amounting ₹112.14 lakh have been made, with a current expenditure of ₹35.89 lakh. The Secretary instructed the concerned officers to ensure proper supervision and timely completion of the work.
In Block Khansahib, Aijaz Asad reviewed the progress on a playfield at Panchayat Halqa Shinipora, being developed under MGNREGA, with an allotted cost of ₹10.00 lakh.
The Secretary underscored the significance of creating durable community assets that promote youth engagement and sports activities in rural areas.
Later, the Secretary visited the under-construction Panchayat Ghar at Reyar Beerwa, Block Khansahib, being executed under the Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA). The project has an Administrative Approval (AA) cost of ₹35.00 lakh and an allotted cost of ₹25.00 lakh, against which both release and expenditure stand at ₹15.38 lakh.
The Secretary directed the officials to accelerate the pace of work so that the facility is made functional at the earliest.
While interacting with the field functionaries, Aijaz Asad reiterated that regular monitoring, field inspections and outcome-oriented implementation are key to achieving the objectives of rural development schemes. He emphasized that all projects must be completed within the stipulated timelines to ensure maximum benefit to the rural populace.
The Secretary was accompanied by the Joint Director, Rural Development Department, Kashmir; Chief Planning Officer, Budgam; Assistant Commissioner Development, Budgam; Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Khansahib; Executive Engineer, RDD and all concerned Block Development Officers during the tour.