Srinagar: Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Wednesday reviewed the progress of 908 infrastructure projects worth ₹4,303.08 crore being implemented across Jammu and Kashmir under various tranches of the Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF) with financial assistance from the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD).
Chairing a meeting of the High-Powered Committee constituted to monitor RIDF projects, the Chief Secretary directed departments to maintain a shelf of projects complete with administrative approval and technical sanction so they can be submitted to NABARD immediately after a new RIDF tranche is opened or sanctioned.
Dulloo said the RIDF had become a key source of institutional finance for strengthening rural infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir and stressed the need for timely execution of projects to improve rural connectivity, irrigation, agriculture, drinking water supply, horticulture, fisheries and other public services.
He instructed departments to closely monitor the physical and financial progress of projects, conduct regular field inspections, strengthen inter-departmental coordination and ensure adherence to NABARD guidelines. Executing agencies were also asked to maintain quality, transparency and accountability during implementation.
During the meeting, Additional Chief Secretary, Finance, Shailendra Kumar suggested the formation of district-level monitoring committees under Deputy Commissioners to ensure timely completion of RIDF projects.
According to a presentation by NABARD, 908 projects sanctioned under RIDF Tranches XXVIII to XXXI involve cumulative loan assistance of ₹4,303.08 crore, of which ₹2,301.48 crore has been disbursed. Of the total projects, 157 have been completed while 751 are under execution.
The committee was informed that the Public Works Department accounts for the largest share with 660 projects worth ₹2,987.25 crore, followed by the Jal Shakti Department with 36 projects worth ₹491.93 crore, the Agriculture Production Department with 110 projects worth ₹414.27 crore, the Horticulture Department with 19 projects worth ₹104.52 crore, the Animal/Sheep Husbandry and Fisheries Department with 63 projects worth ₹190.14 crore, and the Health and Medical Education Department with 20 projects involving ₹114.97 crore.
The meeting concluded with a review of department-wise progress, identification of key implementation issues and directions for timely completion of ongoing RIDF projects across the Union Territory.
