Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 24: Chief Secretary, B B Vyas today chaired the 5th High Powered Committee (HPC) meeting to review the status of projects funded under Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF) of NABARD.
Principal Secretary, Health & Medical Education, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Commissioner/Secretary Animal & Sheep Husbandry, Commissioner/ Secretary, PW(R&B), Secretary, PHE and I&FC, Secretary Horticulture, Chief General Manager, NABARD and other senior officers participated in the meeting.
Complimenting the Administrative Secretaries and CGM NABARD for their concerted efforts in sanctioning and disbursement of Rs 420 crore for the year 2017-18 in projects funded under RIDF of NABARD in R&B, PHE, I&FC, Health, Animal & Sheep Husbandry and Agriculture sectors, Chief Secretary observed that RIDF has emerged as a preferred source of funding for the State Government in supporting rural infrastructure development, especially in the road, drinking water and irrigation sectors.
Chief Secretary said for the next financial year the State Government is looking at Rs 600 crore funding under RIDF of NABARD and urged Administrative Secretaries to prioritize the projects including in the irrigation sector. He also asked NABARD to organize interactive workshops with PW(R&B) and PHE and I&FC officials in the month of April.
Chief Secretary asked Secretary, PHE and I&FC to draw up an area wise action plan for covering villages not covered by piped drinking water, under RIDF and other schemes, in convergence mode. He said, in view of the scanty rainfall this season, there is a likelihood of water shortage arising in some areas, for which necessary provisions and action plan should be kept ready by the department.
Underscoring the need for regular monitoring and cooperation between NABARD and concerned departments for the successful implementation of projects funded under RIDF during 2018-19, Chief Secretary urged the Administrative Secretaries to review the progress on regular basis and submit Project Completion Certificates (PCCs) to NABARD on timely besides giving closure to the non-starter projects.
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