Mandates SDG-aligned GPDP plans before deadline
SRINAGAR, JULY 08: Director Panchayati Raj, Jammu and Kashmir, Riyaz Ahmad Wani, today chaired a comprehensive review meeting to assess the physical and financial progress of various components under the Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA) and set firm deadlines for the completion of pending works and targets.
The meeting was attended by Assistant Commissioners Panchayat (ACPs), Under Secretary, Mohammad Arshad, Executive Engineers and SPRC/DPRC team.
The Director reviewed the status of Panchayat Ghars, Panchayat Learning Centres, Gram Panchayat Development Plans, Mera Gaon Meri Dharohar initiative and fund utilisation.
Reviewing the progress of Panchayat Ghars, the Director was informed that against a target of 640, land has been identified for 577 sites, 269 Panchayat Ghars have either been completed or reached advanced stages of completion.
He directed the districts to resolve pending land issues on priority, expedite tendering and execution, and ensure timely completion of all ongoing works.
The Director further instructed that districts should identify and report all Panchayat Ghar sites where construction is stalled due to land disputes or non-availability of land.
Riyaz Wani sought a detailed report clearly indicating each affected location, along with the Deputy Commissioner’s comments and certification confirming that land is unavailable or that the site is under dispute. These cases will then be taken up with the Government for resolution.
Districts were asked to continue pursuing the matter with the Deputy Commissioner to resolve disputes and secure alternate land wherever possible. Where land is being donated, all legal formalities and written declarations should be completed to ensure there are no future claims or disputes.
Officers were also directed to provide realistic timelines for completion of Panchayat Ghars where work has already been taken up and separately indicate cases that remain pending due to unresolved land issues.
Regarding Panchayat Learning Centres, 20 PLCs sanctioned earlier are functional across the Union Territory, and 41 additional PLCs have been sanctioned in the current phase.
The Director directed that functional PLCs be regularly utilised for capacity building, digital learning and training of Panchayati Raj Institutions, Self Help Groups and other grassroots stakeholders.
Reviewing the Gram Panchayat Development Plan 2026–27, the Director instructed all districts to ensure timely conduct of Gram Sabhas, prepare quality, inclusive and SDG-aligned plans, and upload them on the e-GramSwaraj portal well before the deadline.
He also reviewed the Quality GPDP initiative being implemented with technical support from NIRDPR in 285 selected Gram Panchayats and called for full utilisation of the handholding support.
Under the Mera Gaon Meri Dharohar (MGMD) initiative, documentation of village heritage has been completed in 6,419 out of 7,465 villages. The Director directed the remaining districts to prepare action plans and achieve 100 per cent completion at the earliest. He also reviewed fund release and expenditure under RGSA, asking officers to expedite bill processing and ensure timely financial reporting for optimal utilisation of funds.
Addressing the officers after the detailed review, Riyaz Ahmad Wani outlined the commitments made during the meeting and set clear timelines.
“We discussed here the physical and financial progress related to the Panchayats and the commitments that have been made. I hope everyone will honour their commitments. I expect all of you to complete the work and ensure that the files are finalized on priority,” he said.
The Director reiterated that strengthening Panchayati Raj Institutions through quality infrastructure, effective participatory planning, capacity building and improved service delivery remains a key priority, and called upon all officers to work with dedication to achieve the programme objectives within the set timelines.
