Secretary, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (RDD&PR), Mohammad Aijaz Asad, today chaired a high-level review meeting to assess the physical and financial progress under the Union Territory (UT) CAPEX and the Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI).
The meeting placed special focus on accelerating infrastructure development for Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), Block Development Councils (BDCs), and District Development Councils (DDCs), including residential accommodations, DDC offices, and other key projects.
Stressing the urgency of timely execution, the Secretary directed officers to clear all project approvals within 2–3 days and ensure that tendering is completed within the current week. He emphasized that all allotments must be issued immediately, and tendered works should begin without further delay.
“We are already behind schedule. It’s critical that we pick up momentum and adhere strictly to timelines,” he said.
He further urged officers to maintain accountability, transparency, and execution pace, especially in view of upcoming winter conditions in Kashmir, which could hamper construction activity.
During the meeting, officials informed that under UT CAPEX, a total of 1,069 works have been completed in the Kashmir Division and 865 in the Jammu Division. Additionally, 27 infrastructure works for DDCs, BDCs, and PRIs have been completed so far.
Regarding SASCI, it was revealed that loan assistance of ₹21.10 crore has been sanctioned for various RDD projects. The Secretary reiterated Finance Department directives, stating that at least 75% of sanctioned funds must be utilized by December, and any non-viable projects should be surrendered immediately for reallocation.
He also emphasized that departments must demonstrate the capacity to spend at least ₹2 crore within the financial year under SASCI, warning that failure to do so could lead to fund withdrawal.
The meeting was attended by Director RDD Kashmir Shabir Hussain Bhat, Director RDD Jammu Shehnaz Akhtar, Director Finance Umar Khan, and all Assistant Commissioners Development (ACDs) and Executive Engineers.