Secretary RDD reviews SASCI implementation, calls for fast-tracking rural infrastructure projects

SRINAGAR : Secretary, Rural Development (RDD) and Panchayati Raj, Mohammad Aijaz Asad, on Wednesday chaired a review meeting to assess the progress of projects sanctioned under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investments (SASCI) in the Union Territory.
The meeting was informed that Rs 21.10 crore has been sanctioned for various Rural Development and Panchayati Raj infrastructure projects across Jammu and Kashmir. The Secretary emphasised that at least 75 percent utilisation of sanctioned funds is mandatory, failing which non-performing projects would be reallocated.
He directed officials to ensure timely completion of ongoing works and stated that funds from slow-moving projects would be re-appropriated to fast-moving schemes to ensure full utilisation before March 31, 2026.
The Secretary also cautioned implementing agencies against submitting inflated fund requests and directed that proposals for additional funds must be accompanied by written undertakings certifying full utilisation within the stipulated timeframe.
Senior officers from the Rural Development Department, including Directors, Finance officials and engineers from PWD (R&B) and REW, attended the meeting.