Secy RDD&PR reviews progress of UT CAPEX, SASCI; stresses timely execution of works

Srinagar, Sep 8: Secretary, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (RDD&PR), Mohammad Aijaz Asad on Monday chaired a high-level meeting to review 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 focused on accelerating infrastructure development for Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), Block Development Councils (BDCs), and District Development Councils (DDCs), besides reviewing ongoing works such as residential accommodations for PRI members and DDC offices.

Stressing urgency, the Secretary directed officers to clear approvals within two to three days and ensure that all projects reach the tendering stage within the week. He asked that allotments be issued immediately and tendered works commenced without delay. “We are already running late. It is critical to pick up the right momentum so that targets are achieved on time,” he said.

He urged officers to maintain accountability, transparency, and speed in execution, noting that winter weather in Kashmir could further hamper construction activities.

The meeting was informed that under UT CAPEX, 1,069 works have been completed in Kashmir division and 865 in Jammu division, while 27 infrastructure works for DDCs, BDCs, and PRIs also stand completed.

Reviewing SASCI, it was revealed that loan assistance of Rs 21.10 crore has been sanctioned for RDD projects. The Secretary underlined Finance Department directives mandating utilization of 75% of sanctioned assistance by December and surrender of non-viable projects for reallocation. Departments, he said, must demonstrate capacity to incur at least Rs 2 crore expenditure within the financial year, failing which funds may be withdrawn.

The meeting was attended by Director RDD Kashmir, Shabir Hussain Bhat; Director RDD Jammu, Shehnaz Akhtar; Director Finance, Umar Khan; ACDs and Executive Engineers.