‘Govt ensures timely implementation of welfare schemes’

Ayush and Youth Services Sports Minister and Chairman of the District Planning, Development, and 20-Point Programme Implementation Committee, Yadvinder Goma, emphasised the state’s commitment to delivering welfare scheme benefits to those most in need.

During a review meeting of the District Planning, Development, and 20-Point Programme Committee, held at the School Education Board auditorium, Goma highlighted several innovative initiatives aimed at alleviating poverty and improving public amenities such as roads, drinking water and healthcare.

Goma stressed the importance of timely completion of set targets by the concerned departments to ensure that eligible beneficiaries can avail of government schemes. He praised the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA) for its role in poverty alleviation, noting that Rs 57.95 crore had been distributed as wages to job cardholders in Kangra district between April and September 2024. He called for enhanced implementation and monitoring of MNREGA for sustained rural development.

Additionally, Goma underscored the government’s support for self-help groups (SHGs) through the Rural Livelihood Mission, instructing bank officials to prioritize loan facilities for these groups. The opening of Him-Era Shops was also announced to improve the marketing opportunities for SHGs’ products.

Addressing the housing needs of landless families, Goma urged for the expeditious processing of pending applications across tehsils and set a deadline of November 30 for the district-level completion of formalities. In the past six months, 16 landless families in Kangra district have been allotted land for housing.

Chief Parliamentary Secretary Ashish Butail proposed a survey to identify slum areas in Kangra and ensure the provision of necessary facilities in compliance with established rules. Kangra Deputy Commissioner Hemraj Bairwa assured that concerns raised during the meeting would be addressed promptly.

The meeting saw the participation of MLA Malendra Rajan, ADC Vinay Kumar, Planning Officer Alok Dhawan, and officials from various departments, along with non-official committee members.