J&K Secretary Reviews Progress on Swachh Bharat Mission-Grameen
Jammu, January 8, 2025:
Secretary of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (RDD&PR), Mohammad Aijaz Asad, chaired a high-level review meeting to assess the implementation of the Swachh Bharat Mission-Grameen (SBM-G) across Jammu and Kashmir. The meeting aimed to evaluate the functionality of SBM-G assets, finalize the Annual Implementation Plan (AIP) for 2025-26, and devise strategies for expediting the development of sanitation infrastructure in the region.
Focus Areas of the Review
- Asset Functionality:
The progress of existing sanitation assets created under SBM-G was reviewed to ensure their effectiveness and sustainability. - Annual Implementation Plan (AIP):
Discussions were held on preparing a comprehensive AIP for the financial year 2025-26, with a focus on enhancing sanitation infrastructure across rural areas. - Expedited Development:
Strategies to fast-track sanitation projects and address delays were discussed to ensure timely completion and maximum community impact.
Key Participants:
The meeting was attended by senior officials, including:
- District Development Commissioners
- Director General, SBM-G
- Directors of Rural Development Departments (RDD) for Jammu and Kashmir
- Director of Panchayati Raj
- Director of Finance
- Additional Secretary, Kartar Singh
- Superintending Engineers, REW (Jammu & Kashmir)
- Deputy Director, Rural Sanitation Kashmir
- All Assistant Commissioner Panchayats (ACPs)
Key Directions from the Secretary:
The Secretary emphasized:
- The need for accelerated implementation of SBM-G to meet the government’s sanitation goals.
- Close coordination between Panchayati Raj Institutions and rural development bodies to strengthen grassroots-level sanitation systems.
- Regular field inspections to ensure the effective use of SBM-G funds and timely completion of ongoing projects.
The review highlighted the commitment of the administration to achieving open-defecation-free sustainability and improved sanitation standards in Jammu and Kashmir. The Secretary stressed that SBM-G is pivotal in enhancing the quality of life in rural areas, contributing to public health and environmental conservation.
The session concluded with actionable plans to address bottlenecks and ensure effective implementation in the coming year.
