RD&PR Secretary Reviews SASCI Progress, Sets Roadmap for UT Capex 2026–27 ; Focus on Model Villages and High-Impact Rural Infrastructure

GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL 

JAMMU, APRIL 16:-Secretary, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Mohammad Aijaz Asad, on Wednesday chaired a high-level meeting to review the implementation of projects under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) and to finalise the UT Capex (Community Development) Annual Action Plan for the financial year 2026–27.

The meeting was attended by senior officials including Director Rural Development Kashmir Shabir Hussain Bhat, Director Rural Development Jammu Shahnaz Akhter, Director Finance Umar Khan, Joint Director Planning Kamal Kumar Sharma, along with officers from the Public Works (R&B) and RD&PR departments.

During the review, it was highlighted that work is in progress on residential facilities for PRI representatives and protected individuals at Bijbehara in Anantnag district under the Kashmir division. Meanwhile, in the Jammu division, several projects are underway such as construction of two-bedroom residential units for DDC and PRI members in Udhampur, Reasi, Kathua and Samba, development of a District Development Council office at Reasi, drainage improvement works in Mendhar, and establishment of BDO offices, community halls, guest houses and drainage systems in Jammu district.

The Secretary directed the concerned departments to upload both UT Capex and District Capex proposals on the official portal by April 21, in line with deadlines set by the Chief Secretary. He emphasised the need to prioritise sustainable and impactful infrastructure projects that can significantly enhance rural living standards.

He also instructed that proposals for constructing Block Development Officer (BDO) offices be included for all blocks lacking such facilities to strengthen administrative outreach.

The meeting further reviewed the Viksit Village initiative, which earmarks ₹2 crore for each Assembly constituency to develop one village as a model. Planned components under the scheme include decentralised wastewater treatment systems (DEWATS), plastic waste management units, village museums, decorative entry gates, selfie points, chaupals, digital learning centres, public libraries, and multipurpose community facilities.

The Secretary urged officials to speed up the preparation of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) and cost estimates to ensure timely execution of the proposed works.