* GoI to provide special funding under RD sector
Excelsior Correspondent
NEW DELHI, May 23: To rejuvenate and boost the developmental activities besides ensuring sustainable and inclusive growth of rural areas of J&K, the Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Mr. Abdul Haq along with team of officers of the Rural Development Department visited New Delhi and met with Union Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Choudhary Birender Singh and had a series of meetings with him to take up and discuss the various issues and demands for the revival and revitalization of rural development sector in Jammu and Kashmir.
Mr. Haq also held meetings with Union Secretary for Rural Development J K Mahapatra and other senior officers of Rural Development & Panchayati Raj, Government of India and took up various issues regarding the implementation of RDD schemes in State.
He urged Union RD Ministry to provide special projects & concessions for Jammu and Kashmir given its difficult terrain and topography. The Central Government sanctioned Rs 42 crore special project under IAY in addition to the normal releases.
The Minister was also given assurance for immediate release of funds under MGNREGA for clearance of previous liabilities and additional funds for kick-starting Rural Economy with 50% of approved labour budget as first tranche to the state. It was also agreed to release Rs 800 crore under MGNREGA.
As a special case, the Union Ministry agreed to make 75% of releases in all schemes & programs for Jammu and Kashmir so that funds are available with the State during working season to expedite all developmental projects and activities before winter season.
The Central Government also agreed to examine the proposal of state on priority regarding inclusion of snow clearance as an approved activity under MGNREGA. They also agreed to continue with the 90:10 funding pattern in all the schemes & programs wherein funds are provided by GoI.
During the meetings, the Minister was accompanied by Secretary, RDD&PR, Shafat Noor Barlas, Addl Secretary/ Member Secretary MGNREGA J&K, K K Sidha and DPO Jammu, M L Tasir.
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