Secretary, Rural Development Department (RDD) and Panchayati Raj, Mohammad Aijaz Asad, today chaired a high-level meeting with Deputy Commissioners to review the status of land identification for construction of Panchayat Ghars, establishment of Common Service Centres (CSCs), and operationalization of Panchayat Learning Centres (PLCs) across Jammu and Kashmir.
The Secretary sought the intervention of the Deputy Commissioners (DCs) to resolve pending land-related issues hampering construction of Panchayat Ghars, informing that 414 Panchayat Ghars have been completed so far.
The meeting was attended by District Development Commissioners of various districts, Director General Rural Sanitation, J&K, Anoo Malhotra; Director RDD Kashmir, Shabir Hussain Bhat; Director RDD Jammu, Shahnaz Akhter; Director Panchayati Raj, Sham Lal; Deputy Secretary RD&PR, Tahir Ahmad Magray; Superintending Engineers REW Jammu/Kashmir, besides Assistant Commissioners Panchayat, Executive Engineers, and SPRC/DPRC teams.
During the meeting, the Secretary took a detailed review of the physical and financial progress of Panchayat Ghar construction for FY 2023–24 and 2024–25. He directed the DCs to expedite land identification for the remaining Panchayats and ensure early resolution of bottlenecks. He further advised exploring relocation options in cases where suitable land was unavailable within the Panchayat jurisdiction.
Emphasizing timely execution, the Secretary directed officers to complete formalities such as land mutation, revenue record updating, and geo-tagging before submission of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs).
Expressing concern over slow progress in some districts, the Secretary instructed DCs to treat Panchayat Ghar construction as a top priority, conduct regular district-level reviews, and closely monitor both physical and financial achievements.
He further directed that Assistant Commissioners Panchayat (ACPs) and Executive Engineers ensure timely completion of works while proactively addressing land disputes, tendering delays, and administrative approvals. The Secretary emphasized that district-wise performance would be closely monitored.
On the co-location of Common Service Centres (CSCs), it was informed that 83% progress has been achieved for FY 2025–26. The Secretary urged field officers to bridge the remaining gap to ensure universal coverage across all Panchayats.
He also announced that 40 Panchayat Learning Centres (PLCs) are being established during the current year, directing DCs to make these centres fully functional at the earliest. He encouraged showcasing model Panchayat Ghars as Learning Centres to promote innovation and best practices.
Stressing efficient implementation, Aijaz Asad called for regular monitoring, inter-departmental coordination, and proactive problem-solving to ensure timely achievement of RGSA objectives.
During the meeting, Director Panchayati Raj, Sham Lal, made a detailed presentation on the progress of Panchayat Ghars, Common Service Centres, and Panchayat Learning Centres.