NEW DELHI: To rejuvenate and boost the developmental activities besides ensuring sustainable and inclusive growth of rural areas of J and K State, the Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, 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.
Haq also held meetings with Union Secretary for Rural Development J.K Mahapatra and other senior officers of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Government of India and took up various issues regarding the implementation of RDD schemes in State.
Haq urged Union RD Ministry to provide special projects and concessions for Jammu and Kashmir given its difficult terrain and topography.
The Central Government sanctioned Rs 42 crores 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 crores under MGNREGA.
As a special case, the Union Ministry agreed to make 75 per cent of releases in all schemes and programmes 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.