Welfare, Development of far flung areas Govt’s priority: Sagar

The Minister for Rural Development and Panchayats, Mr. ALI Mohammad Sagar today reiterated the coalition’s governments resolve to work for the upliftment and improving the life standard of the people living in rural and far –flung areas of the state.
The Minister was addressing the performance review meeting of Pulwama, Shopian, Leh and Kargil districts of Rural Development Department here today. The meeting was attended by the Legislators of the four districts which included Mr.Mohammad Khalil Bandh, Syed Bashir, Mr.Zahoor Mir, Mr.Abdul Razzaq Wagay, Mr.Bashir Ahmed Magray, Mr.Tsetan Namgayal, Mr.Feroz Khan and Qamar Ali Akhoon. Secreatarty Rural Development, Mr. Mohammad Sayeed Khan, Director Rural development, Kashmir, Mrs. Dilshada Khan and other senior officers of the department also attended the meeting.
The meeting was third in the series called by the Rural Development Minister to involve the legislators of all parties to oversee implementation of the rural development schemes, so that the same are effectively implemented and completed within the stipulated time.
The meeting was told that 53 model villages are nearing completion in the valley in which, 55 shopping complexes,51 children’s parks,115.49 Kilometers of rural roads,60 passenger sheds, 322 crossing culverts,20 play grounds, 762 solar lights,45 regional information centers and 423 sanitation points have been completed during this fiscal. 
Calling upon the legislators to effectively monitor the schemes, the Minister said that the role of local representative is important as he is well acquainted with the needs of the people living in the respective areas and can well prepare detailed project reports which are both areas specific and can better cater to the needs of the local populace.
While referring to the governments’ initiative to involve the legislators of the parties in the implementation of the various flagship schemes, the Minister said that by involving them we are introducing a concept of transparency and accountability and also listening to dissenting voices, if any, which forms the basis of a Democratic set up. He said that the government does not differentiate between any and it is our endeavour that the benefit of these welfare and development schemes percolates to everybody irrespective of their political or regional affiliation.
Directing the officers to effectively implement the rural development schemes, Mr. Sagar said that the role of the implementing agency is of prime importance as they can only see to it that these schemes are completed in a time bound manner and the targets set are achieved in full. He said that utmost care should also be taken so that the funds earmarked are properly utilized for the particular scheme and strict adherence of codal formalities is ensured. 
The Secretary Rural Development gave a detailed overview about the various schemes of the Rural development department and also about the status of the same Vis-à-vis completion and the funds utilized.