SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Wednesday reviewed the progress of 908 rural infrastructure projects worth Rs 4,303.08 crore being implemented with assistance from the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) under various tranches of the Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF).
Chairing a meeting of the High Powered Committee constituted to monitor RIDF projects, Dulloo asked departments to keep a ready shelf of projects with all statutory approvals and technical clearances so that they can be submitted to NABARD immediately when new funding tranches are opened. He said this would help avoid delays in appraisal, approval and execution.
The Chief Secretary described RIDF as one of the key sources of institutional finance for strengthening rural infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir. He said the projects are important for improving rural roads, irrigation, drinking water supply, agriculture, horticulture, fisheries and other public services.
He directed departments to closely monitor the physical and financial progress of each project, conduct regular field inspections, improve coordination among executing agencies and ensure adherence to NABARD guidelines. He also stressed the need to maintain quality, transparency and accountability during implementation.
Additional Chief Secretary, Finance, Shailendra Kumar called for regular monitoring at all administrative levels to ensure timely completion of projects and effective delivery of benefits. He suggested setting up district-level monitoring committees under Deputy Commissioners to oversee implementation.
During the meeting, NABARD officials informed the committee that 908 projects sanctioned under RIDF Tranches XXVIII to XXXI involve cumulative loan assistance of Rs 4,303.08 crore. Of this, Rs 2,301.48 crore has been disbursed so far.
According to the presentation, 157 projects have been completed while 751 are under execution. A total of 193 Scheme Monitoring Proformas (SMPs) are currently under monitoring.
The Public Works Department accounts for the largest share of the projects, with 660 works receiving loan assistance of Rs 2,987.25 crore. The Jal Shakti Department is implementing 36 projects worth Rs 491.93 crore, while the Agriculture Production Department has 110 projects involving Rs 414.27 crore.
The Horticulture Department is executing 19 projects worth Rs 104.52 crore, the Animal, Sheep Husbandry and Fisheries Department has 63 projects amounting to Rs 190.14 crore, and the Health and Medical Education Department is implementing 20 projects worth Rs 114.97 crore.
The meeting concluded with a review of department-wise progress, identification of key implementation issues and directions to ensure timely completion of ongoing RIDF projects across the Union Territory.
