Rural Development and Panchayati Raj works reviewed in Deoghar
Shatrughn Prasad
Ranchi
A high-level review meeting of the Panchayati Raj Department was held at the Collectorate Hall on Friday under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner Saurabh Kumar Bhuvania to assess the progress of development schemes in rural areas and address administrative challenges.
The meeting reviewed the utilization of funds allocated under the 15th Finance Commission, the status of financial audits for 2024-25, and the implementation of various welfare schemes being carried out through tied and untied funds in panchayats. Officials were directed to expedite pending audit work and ensure effective use of funds for public welfare projects.
The discussions emphasized greater coordination among departments, transparency in implementation, and timely execution of development initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life in rural areas. Block Development Officers were instructed to ensure that all approved construction and infrastructure projects are completed within the stipulated timeframe.
A detailed review was also conducted on water towers (Jal Minars) sanctioned under the 14th and 15th Finance Commissions. Concerned engineers and officials were asked to complete unfinished projects and restore non-functional units at the earliest to ensure uninterrupted access to safe drinking water in villages.
Waste management emerged as another key focus area, with officials directed to strengthen efforts toward achieving ODF Plus and garbage-free villages through proper segregation and disposal of wet and dry waste, distribution of dustbins, and operationalization of processing centres.
The meeting also stressed the need to improve rural infrastructure for children and youth. Plans were reviewed for repairing and repainting Anganwadi centres using 15th Finance Commission funds, while Gyan Kendras established in panchayats are to be upgraded and better equipped to support education and competitive exam preparation.
Officials were further instructed to ensure 100 per cent Aadhaar enrolment of children aged 0-5 years by June 30 and to activate Pragya Kendras across all panchayats to enhance citizen services.
Deputy Development Commissioner Piyush Sinha, the District Panchayati Raj Officer, Block Development Officers, engineers and other officials attended the meeting.
