Meticulous estimation, speedy execution of works pivotal for development of rural areas: Rifat Arif

ANANTNAG : Secretary in Rural Development and Panchayat Raj, Rifat Arif, on Saturday maintained that meticulous planning and estimation besides speedy execution of works is pivotal for development of rural areas.

Rifat said this while chairing a meeting held to review development and wage employment works undertaken by RDD in Anantnag.

The meeting was attended by Vice Chairman District Development Council, Sheikh Javed, District Development Council members, ACP, Ideel Saleem, Executive Engineers REW, Block Development Officers and other concerned functionaries of the department.

Rifat Arif stressed on undertaking labour intensive works and making timely payments under MGNREGA adding that such works are source of employment to rural people. She said that the works having benefits at community level should be prioritized and the quality of works must be maintained.

Calling RDD as engine of growth in villages, she said that ongoing projects should be completed within stimulated timeframe for overall development and welfare of rural people. She enjoined upon BDOs to regularly participate in Social Audit Gram Sabhas besides addressing public grievances and complaints promptly. She also directed the field functionaries to ensure regular presence at the sites for monitoring the standard of ongoing works. She asked the concerned for taking concrete steps to strengthen solid waste management and rural sanitation.

Rifat called for taking the elected representatives (Sarpanchs, BDC Chairpersons, DDCs etc) on board while formulating plans and impressed upon the BDOs to maintain close coordination with them.

The meeting had threadbare discussion on MGNREGA, PMAY and other schemes besides deliberations regarding modalities for their smooth implementation.

ACP gave an overview of development and wage employment projects and works taken up by the department in the district. Besides, he briefed the meeting about the current status of various developmental works and initiatives that have been taken up during the ongoing season.

Interacting with the public representatives, Rifat assured them for projecting their issues and concerns before the appropriate authorities for redressal.