Jammu, Dec 13: Secretary, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (RDD&PR), Mohammad Aijaz Asad, on Saturday undertook an extensive tour of the Marh constituency in Jammu district to assess the progress and impact of key developmental works being executed in the area.
The Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA), Marh, Shri Surinder Kumar, also participated in the on-site review and highlighted priority issues of the constituency, seeking intervention of the Administrative Department for resolution of important public matters.
The Secretary was accompanied by Director Panchayati Raj J&K, Sham Lal; Director RDD Jammu, Shehnaz Akhter; Assistant Commissioner Development (ACD) Jammu, Er. Danish Rasool Mir; Assistant Commissioner Panchayat (ACP) Jammu, Mukhtiyar Ahmed; and Block Development Officer (BDO) Marh, Kirandeep Kaur. During the visit, the dignitaries inspected several completed works at the Bawa Talab Complex and reviewed projects executed under the UT CAPEX programme. Emphasising durability, quality and public utility, the Secretary directed field functionaries to strictly adhere to prescribed standards, ensure transparency in execution, and complete all sanctioned works within stipulated timelines so that public assets deliver maximum benefit to the rural population.
As part of the tour, a Community Sanitation Complex at Jhiri Temple, Kalyanpur was inaugurated. The Secretary stressed the importance of proper upkeep and maintenance of such facilities to sustain their long-term impact. He said the facility would significantly improve sanitation and hygiene arrangements at the prominent religious site, catering to the needs of devotees and visitors. He also directed that beautification works at the Baba Jittoo Temple be taken up on priority.
The Secretary further laid the foundation stone of the Dewat Complex at Pyt Ganguchak, to be constructed at an estimated cost of ₹53.13 lakh. He observed that the project would substantially enhance community infrastructure in the area and instructed executing agencies to ensure timely completion without compromising on quality. Additionally, a newly constructed Panchayat Ghar at Panchayat Sari Rakhwalan, Marh, built at a cost of ₹30 lakh, was inaugurated. The facility is expected to strengthen grassroots democratic institutions and improve the functioning of local self-governance. Interacting with local residents and former PRI representatives, the Secretary patiently listened to their concerns and suggestions related to ongoing and future development initiatives. He assured them that all genuine public issues would be addressed on priority and reiterated the Government’s commitment to inclusive, participatory and people-centric rural development.
He further directed officers to remain accessible to the public, conduct regular field inspections and ensure that planning and execution reflect local needs. MLA Marh, Surinder Kumar, appreciated the coordinated efforts of the Rural Development and Panchayati Raj departments and stated that such infrastructure projects are vital for improving civic amenities and enhancing the overall quality of life in rural areas. The Secretary also conducted a comprehensive review of major projects being implemented under MGNREGA, PMAY-G, SBM-G, NRLM and RGSA.
He directed officials to expedite execution, address bottlenecks at the grassroots level and ensure steady progress across all programmes for timely and effective service delivery.
Stressing that works of public importance must be prioritised, the Secretary called for focused efforts to ensure that every eligible beneficiary receives rightful entitlements under the flagship rural development schemes.
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