Union Minister for Rural Development & Panchayati Raj , Chaudhary Birender Singh on Friday reviewed the progress of Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojna (PMGSY) for Punjab, Haryana & Himachal Pradesh here.
He said that State wise projects related to PMGSY may be thoroughly assessed by each State and sent to the Ministry on or before March 31, assuring that funds would be released for all projects submitted well in time.
During a detailed presentation by Rajesh Bhushan, Jt. Secretary Ministry of Rural Development & Panchayati Raj on various aspects of Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojna, a comparison of status of PMGSY on various fronts like targets, physical progress, achievements etc. were discussed.
Punjab got a pat on the back for best average length construction per day amounting to 2.02 km per day as against 1.73 km of Haryana and 1.32 km of Himachal Pradesh during 2014-15.
On this occasion, stress was laid on the need for regular maintenance of rural roads along with their construction. The Union Minister suggested the formulation of Rural Roads Maintenance Policy by each of the states (RRMP) for the same.
State of Punjab was once again appreciated for being one among the eleven States of the country to have formulated the Rural Roads Maintenance Policy whereas Haryana was lauded for usage of new technology in construction of roads. However the representatives of all the participating states vociferously advocated for a share of Centre government in the repair & maintenance of roads.
Punjab Minister for PWD(B&R). Janmeja Singh Sekhon, Minister for Agriculture, Jathedar Tota Singh and Minister for Rural Development Sikander Singh Maluka jointly raised certain issues pertaining to rural roads.
Besides, the CPS from Himachal Pradesh, Senior officials from Himachal Pradesh and Haryana, Additional Chief Secretary PWD Punjab, Mr. NS Kalsi, ACS Rural Development , Mr. Suresh Kumar, Secretary Mandi Board, Mr. TPS Sidhu were present on the occasion.