Srinagar, August 14: Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo has called on the Rural Development & Panchayati Raj (RD&PR) Department to intensify efforts to meet housing targets under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Grameen (PMAY-G) and other departmental schemes. During a meeting attended by key officials, including the Secretary RD&PR, MD JKRLM, DG Rural Sanitation, and Director RDD Kashmir/Jammu, Dulloo emphasized the importance of developing effective strategies to achieve set targets.
He highlighted that funding for centrally sponsored schemes is not an issue and urged the department to demonstrate progress within specific timeframes. The Chief Secretary also advised the Rural Livelihood Mission (JKRLM) to maximize the potential of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) across rural areas, aiming to bridge the gap between those receiving Revolving Fund (RF) and Community Investment Fund (CIF). He stressed the need for linking these SHGs with financial institutions to create employment opportunities for women.
On the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM), Dulloo emphasized the need for durable sanitation assets and proposed studying successful models from other States/UTs to sustain sanitation activities in ODF+ Model villages.
Secretary RD&PR Shahid Iqbal Choudhary provided updates on PMAY-G performance, noting that out of the target of 335,275 houses, first installments had been released to 334,109 beneficiaries, with subsequent installments progressing similarly. To date, 228,031 houses have been completed. He also reported that under the convergence scheme, beneficiaries receive additional amenities such as LPG, water, and electricity connections.
The meeting outlined a roadmap for completing ongoing houses by March 2025, with Rs. 72.65 crore being disbursed through geo-tagging and FTOs. It was noted that 100% convergence ensures that PMAY-G houses are equipped with basic amenities.
Regarding the Rural Livelihood Mission, MD JKRLM reported the formation of 90,908 SHGs involving 742,507 households. To date, RF totaling Rs. 101.63 crore and CIF totaling Rs. 353.2 crore have been distributed. Additionally, 7,025 Village Organizations, 588 Cluster Level Federations, and 12 Farmer Producer Organizations have been established.
The Lok Operating System (LoKOS), a mobile application for managing SHG operations, was also introduced. It will facilitate data registration, bookkeeping, and financial activities.
For the Lakhpati Didi initiative, the UT aims to support 2.33 lakh households, with 236,475 potential beneficiaries identified. SBM-G Phase-II, launched in February 2020, focuses on maintaining ODF status and enhancing rural sanitation through waste management initiatives. Progress includes the construction of 28,653 Individual Household Latrines (IHHLs), 80 Community Sanitary Complexes (CSCs), and plans for additional garbage collection vehicles and community waste management facilities.
Chief Secretary Urges Meeting Targets Under PMAY-G, Reviews RD&PR Schemes
