Javid Ahmad Dar reviews performance of RDD Kashmir; lauds record MGNREGA gains, calls for innovation in Waste & Water Management

SRINAGAR : Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development Department (RDD) and Panchayati Raj, Cooperative and Election Department, Javid Ahmad Dar, on Tuesday conducted a comprehensive review of performance of the Rural Development Department, Kashmir, focusing on flagship schemes and key development initiatives.
The Minister, while chairing the review meeting, issued a series of directions to strengthen the delivery and accountability at the grassroots level. He directed that all pending IAY dues be reviewed and cleared on priority and PMAY-G installments be released expeditiously after due verification to ensure no eligible beneficiary is deprived.
Stressing inclusive growth, the Minister said MG-NREGA works must focus on economically weaker and vulnerable households for maximum livelihood support. He instructed that local PDD Junior Engineers be engaged for electrical works in DDC and BDC office buildings and the technical sanctions of all approved projects be shared with the concerned ACDs, ACPs and BDOs to ensure transparency. Emphasis was laid on speedy utilisation of SASCI funds, timely submission of next financial year work plans by 31 March 2026 and prioritisation of water conservation projects, especially in water-scarce and upper reaches.
Regarding the Solid and Liquid Waste Management under SBM-G, the Minister called for incorporating ground-level inputs from BDOs. He underlined that the work plans must be prepared in consultation with the elected representatives, particularly MLAs. He further stressed timely completion of projects with strict adherence to quality standards. He directed the officers to maintain professional conduct, administrative discipline and responsive public interaction while addressing public grievances.
During the meeting, Director RDD Kashmir presented a detailed overview of department’s achievements, with special emphasis on MG-NREGA, under which Kashmir Division has delivered exceptional results. Against an annual target of 1.34 crore person-days, the Division has already generated 1.87 crore person-days, marking a significant milestone.
The Minister was informed that over 82 percent e-KYC of job card holders has been completed. Notably, more than 98 percent of MGNREGA wage payments have been released within the stipulated T+8 days timeframe, reflecting improved efficiency in service delivery.
The review also covered progress under PMAY-G 2.0, where a massive survey drive has resulted in 1.91 lakh households being identified as potential beneficiaries for upcoming phase of the programme. Besides, progress under CD and Panchayati Raj works, ADP, Capex and RGSA was also discussed in detail.