Punjab Local Government Minister Balkar Singh on Monday said that development projects across the State under various schemes will be expedited, while affirming the State Government’s commitment to provide the people with basic facilities, a clean environment, and improved citizen services.
The Minister’s assertion came during the review meetings on Monday with the officials from the Department’s head office, all Deputy Commissioners, Commissioners of Municipal Corporations, and Additional Deputy Commissioners (General or Urban Development) under various schemes.
Reviewing the development works under the AMRUT Scheme, Swachh Bharat Mission, and Smart City Mission, the Minister instructed the officials to spend unused funds under various heads to development works for the people’s welfare.
Unutilized funds should be promptly spent to provide basic facilities to the people as soon as possible, said the Minister, while issuing a warning to the officers that if unused funds are not utilized promptly, appropriate action will be taken against responsible officials.
In a separate video conference with all Deputy Commissioners and Additional Deputy Commissioners (General/Urban Development), the Minister emphasized cleanliness, provision of clean water, street lights, sewerage, and parks in Urban Local Bodies.
He urged the officials to address problems related to finding suitable sites for water treatment plants and sewage treatment plants promptly, in coordination with the concerned Municipal Commissioner.
The Minister also urged the officials to provide complete information on development works related to the MLAs of their constituency to ensure that the development aligns with residents’ needs. He emphasized the timely implementation of schemes and proper fund utilization, assuring that the government has ample funds for development.
Also making an appeal to the officials to work diligently and cooperatively, the Minister emphasized the Government's commitment to provide a corruption-free administration. Strict actions will be taken against those involved in corruption, he made it clear.
