Srinagar: Jammu & Kashmir Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, an IAS officer of 1989 batch, chaired a meeting of the High Powered Committee (HPC) to review the implementation of 908 projects being executed under various tranches of the Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF) with financial assistance from the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD).
During the review, the Chief Secretary stressed the need for expediting project execution, maintaining strict monitoring mechanisms and ensuring that future projects are submitted to NABARD without delays so that rural infrastructure development across the Union Territory continues at a faster pace.
Focus on Timely Project Approval
The meeting was attended by the Additional Chief Secretaries of the Agriculture Production Department, Public Works (R&B), and Finance, along with the Director General (Resources), Chief General Manager of NABARD and senior officers from the Health, Jal Shakti and other concerned departments.
Reviewing the progress, Dulloo directed all departments to maintain a ready shelf of projects with complete Administrative Approval (AA) and Technical Sanction (TS) so that proposals can be submitted to NABARD immediately after a new RIDF tranche is opened or sanctions are received.
He said such preparedness would facilitate timely appraisal, approval and commencement of works without avoidable procedural delays.
RIDF Playing Key Role in Rural Development
The Chief Secretary observed that RIDF has emerged as one of the most important institutional funding mechanisms for strengthening rural infrastructure in Jammu & Kashmir.
He said the successful implementation of RIDF-funded projects is essential for improving:
- Rural road connectivity
- Irrigation infrastructure
- Agricultural productivity
- Drinking water facilities
- Horticulture development
- Fisheries infrastructure
- Other essential public services
He emphasised that these investments are directly linked to improving the quality of life in rural areas.
Departments Asked to Strengthen Monitoring
Dulloo instructed executing departments to closely monitor both physical and financial progress of every project. He also directed officers to undertake regular field inspections, improve inter-departmental coordination and ensure full compliance with NABARD guidelines.
He further advised implementing agencies to maintain the highest standards of quality, transparency and accountability throughout project execution.
Finance Department Calls for District-Level Monitoring
Additional Chief Secretary (Finance) Shailendra Kumar underlined the importance of continuous monitoring at every administrative level to ensure that RIDF investments translate into tangible benefits for rural communities.
He proposed the constitution of District-Level Monitoring Committees under the respective Deputy Commissioners to oversee the timely implementation of projects and improve coordination at the grassroots level.
908 Projects Worth ₹4,303 Crore Under Various Stages
A detailed presentation by the Chief General Manager, NABARD, highlighted the current status of RIDF projects across Jammu & Kashmir.
According to the presentation:
- Total projects sanctioned: 908
- RIDF Tranches: XXVIII to XXXI
- Total loan assistance sanctioned: ₹4,303.08 crore
- Amount disbursed so far: ₹2,301.48 crore
- Projects completed: 157
- Projects currently under execution: 751
The review focused on ensuring timely completion of ongoing works while improving preparedness for future RIDF funding cycles.
The meeting concluded with directions to all departments to maintain momentum in project execution, strengthen monitoring mechanisms and ensure that NABARD-funded infrastructure projects are completed efficiently to maximise benefits for rural communities across Jammu & Kashmir.
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