Srinagar: A senior official of the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD), Government of India, is on a four-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir to review the implementation of rural development schemes in Srinagar and Anantnag districts.
Altaf Hussain Haji, Deputy Director General, MoRD and designated Area Officer for the ministry’s schemes, is visiting the Union Territory from September 30 to October 3 to assess the progress of various programmes and interact with stakeholders.
During the visit, Haji attended a training programme on Viksit Bharat Gram Panchayat (VB-GRAMG) organised by the Rural Development Department for Block Development Officers of Srinagar and Ganderbal districts. He stressed the need for convergence of government schemes, greater awareness of rural development programmes and focused interventions in low-development gram panchayats to help them achieve development targets.
Haji also visited Khonmoh and Qamarwari blocks, where he interacted with Self-Help Groups (SHGs), beneficiaries and other stakeholders associated with rural livelihood initiatives and development schemes. He met members of the Umeed Ka Zaika SHG and reviewed their activities.
According to officials, the visiting officer observed that SHGs functioning under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) were performing well and discussed efforts to enhance livelihood opportunities for rural women.
He reviewed the implementation status of various rural development schemes in Srinagar and discussed measures to improve their outreach and ensure wider beneficiary coverage. Officials were advised to strengthen implementation and increase awareness programmes at the grassroots level so that eligible beneficiaries can access available schemes.
The officer also emphasised greater coordination among departments for effective implementation of development programmes and achievement of targets.
During the visit, Haji met officials of the Rural Development Department and reviewed progress made under various schemes, besides discussing issues related to their implementation and delivery across Jammu and Kashmir.