SAS Nagar, January 04, 2025: In continuation of her New Year resolution to complete the ongoing rural development works by the end of the current financial year; Deputy Commissioner Ashika Jain held a detailed meeting with ADC (Rural Development) and Block Development and Panchayat Officers at DAC Mohali on Saturday. Giving information in this regard, Deputy Commissioner Ashika Jain said that the current financial year is going to end by March 2025. Therefore, the purpose of the meeting is to review the ongoing works and complete them on time.
Additional Deputy Commissioner (Rural Development) Sonam Chaudhary apprised her about the current status of the ongoing works, the Deputy Commissioner asked the rural development officers to speed up the pace to ensure completion before the end of March. The Deputy Commissioner stressed on the completion of playgrounds in half of the total villages by the stipulated deadline of March 2025. A total of 154 playgrounds were planned to be constructed in the district and 76 have been completed so far.
He said that the remaining playgrounds should be completed by the end of March so that the youth of these villages can benefit from them. Reviewing the construction of 18 Anganwadi buildings under MGNREGA, he asked the department to increase their number to 26 and complete them without any delay. So far, 08 buildings have been prepared. Stressing on the importance of rejuvenating village ponds under the Thapar model, the Deputy Commissioner directed the rural development officers to update at least one-fourth of the total villages as Thapar model.
He said that the current number of 17 is very low, hence it should be increased to cover at least 25 percent ponds. Reviewing the construction of libraries in the villages, he asked the department to identify more villages in each block and send a proposal to the state government. Talking to the officials of the Rural Water and Sanitation Department present in the meeting, he directed them to ensure that all the houses are connected to tap water. And the management of liquid and solid waste should also be done on priority by making the villagers aware about various techniques and disposing of liquid and solid waste.
Stressing on the need to bring the entire district under the ODF Plus category, he directed the Water Supply and Sanitation Department to ensure cleanliness and other activities in the villages.