SRINAGAR: Secretary of Rural Development & Panchayati Raj (RDD&PR), Mohammad Aijaz Asad, today chaired a meeting to review the implementation of MGNREGA across the region.
He emphasized strict adherence to advisories issued by the Union Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) and directed prompt and comprehensive responses to outstanding audit paras.
The meeting was attended by DG Rural Sanitation, Anoo Malhotra; Directors RDD Kashmir and Jammu, Shabir Hussain Bhat and Shehnaz Akhtar; Director Finance, Umar Khan; Additional Secretary RD&PR, Waseem Raja; Superintending Engineers REW; Assistant Commissioners Development (ACDs); Assistant Commissioners Panchayat (ACPs); Executive Engineers REW; and the Director, Social Audit Unit MGNREGA, among others.
Secretary Asad highlighted the importance of streamlining financial processes, strengthening record-keeping, and enhancing transparency and efficiency in rural employment delivery. He described audit observations as opportunities to address gaps and improve MGNREGA systems.
He instructed officers to maintain muster rolls, measurement books, and other essential records at the Panchayat level meticulously, ensuring accountability and transparency. Districts were directed to revamp monitoring and grievance redressal mechanisms so that oversight becomes “active and meaningful rather than a mere formality.”
On land development works, the Secretary noted that many districts submitted NIL reports without credible field verification. He stressed evidence-based verification aligned with MoRD advisories and assured circulation of the national checklist for field committees.
Reviewing the use of NMMS (National Mobile Monitoring Software), he appreciated its role in enhancing transparency and accountability.
Regarding Amrit Sarovar sites, he emphasized their significance for sustainable water conservation in J&K and directed field verification with geo-tagged photographs to restore water bodies to their intended use.
On financial discipline, the Secretary reviewed outstanding audit paras and pending AC/DC bills since 2020-21, calling for coordinated efforts with the Finance Department to clear backlogs within fixed timelines.
Sanitation efforts were also reviewed, including district-wise SBM (Swachh Bharat Mission) 2025-26 targets, covering construction of 30,000 IHHL units, compost pits, and soak pits. He described these initiatives as “vital for building a healthier and cleaner rural ecosystem” and urged accelerated implementation.
Additional Secretary Waseem Raja presented urgent MGNREGA indicators and the PAN-India rollout roadmap for Yuktdhara, a planning and monitoring platform. He also briefed participants on the Geofencing and Geotagging Application to enable accurate mapping, real-time monitoring, and transparency in asset creation.
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