422 lakh person-days generated under MGNREGA; Secretary RDD reviews progress, sets deadlines

JAMMU : Secretary, Rural Development Department (RDD) and Panchayati Raj, Mohammad Aijaz Asad, on monday chaired a comprehensive review meeting to assess the physical and financial progress under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) for the current financial year 2025-26 and to lay the groundwork for FY 2026-27.
During the meeting, the Secretary reviewed key performance indicators including overall expenditure, employment generation, completion of works, asset geo-tagging, e-KYC status and preparation of the Annual Action Plan for the upcoming financial year.
He directed officers to ensure that all incomplete works under the scheme are completed at the earliest. He observed that a new scheme is likely to replace the existing one in the near future, making it imperative for departments to complete all ongoing works without delay.
The Secretary was informed that the UT has recorded a total expenditure of ₹1,307.1 crore during FY 2025-26, of which ₹1,133.8 crore (86.7%) has been spent on wages. Material expenditure stood at ₹133.3 crore, while administrative costs amounted to ₹39.9 crore.
Aijaz Asad said that 7,23,412 households were provided employment across the 20 districts, generating 421.69 lakh person-days (PDs).
Emphasizing accountability, he instructed the Assistant Commissioners Development (ACDs) to conduct daily reviews and ensure that monitoring remains directive and result-oriented. He urged ACDs to demonstrate leadership at the district level and personally ensure completion of works within stipulated timelines.
Highlighting the urgency as the financial year draws to a close, the Secretary made it clear that no negligence or delay will be tolerated and directed that 72,000 works must be completed by March 25.
He also informed that the department has recently released ₹175 crore to the districts and directed that the funds be utilized for clearance of pending liabilities so that beneficiaries and stakeholders receive their due payments without delay.
Aijaz Asad further instructed officials to ensure 100 percent completion of e-KYC under the scheme.
Reviewing the Yekdhara GP Planning status, he directed that the process be completed by March 19, stressing the need to clear all pending cases. He also asked the Directors of Jammu and Kashmir divisions to closely monitor the process to ensure timely completion.
The Secretary directed that the Annual Action Plan for 2026-27 be finalized and submitted at the earliest. He also instructed that the geo-tagging of assets be completed by March 22.
Emphasizing awareness and outreach, he called for effective implementation of the Samvaad (IEC campaign) to enhance public participation and awareness about departmental schemes.
The Secretary urged ACDs and other officials to discharge their duties with dedication, integrity and transparency, warning that strict action will be taken against any employee found involved in violation of the laid down norms.
He further advised that upcoming plans should focus on sustainable, community-benefiting works, including innovative and theme-based projects, and directed that all social audit issues be resolved promptly.
The Secretary reiterated that all deadlines must be adhered to strictly and directed both Directors to conduct regular reviews to ensure progress on the ground.
The meeting was attended by Director RDD Kashmir Shabir Hussain Bhat, Additional Secretary Waseem Raja, Superintending Engineers (REW), Assistant Commissioners Development and Executive Engineers of all districts.