Sham Lal Sharma chairs review meeting of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Department in Bhalwal

• Directs strict monitoring, quality control and time-bound completion of development works

JAMMU: MLA Jammu North Sham Lal Sharma today chaired a comprehensive review meeting of the Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Department at the Block Development Office (BDO), Bhalwal, to assess the progress of ongoing development works, review completed projects and address implementation-related issues across the block. The meeting focused on strengthening rural infrastructure, improving the quality of public assets and ensuring that the benefits of government-funded development initiatives reach people at the grassroots level.

The meeting was attended by Assistant Commissioner Panchayat Shri Mukhtiar Sheikh; Executive Engineer, Rural Engineering Wing, Jammu, Shri Satbir Singh; Block Development Officer, Bhalwal, Shri Sunil Sharma; Assistant Executive Engineer, Rural Engineering Wing, Sub-Division Bhalwal, Shri Mohammad Akram, along with Assistant Engineers, Junior Engineers, Panchayat Secretaries and field staff. Detailed discussions were held on the physical and financial progress of ongoing projects, the status of completed works, pending activities and issues requiring administrative or technical intervention. The officers were asked to provide a clear assessment of progress and identify the reasons for any delays in execution.

During the review, Sham Lal Sharma directed all concerned officers and field functionaries to ensure regular monitoring and physical inspection of development works at the ground level. He emphasized strict adherence to approved designs, estimates, technical specifications and prescribed quality standards at every stage of execution. He also instructed the officers to inspect completed projects and assess their quality, durability, functionality and actual public utility, stressing that completion on paper alone would not be sufficient unless the work delivers tangible benefits to the people. He further called for better coordination among engineering staff, block-level officers and Panchayat functionaries to resolve implementation-related bottlenecks and ensure balanced development across all Panchayats.

Taking a firm view on delays in project implementation, Sham Lal Sharma directed the department to accelerate all pending works and ensure their completion within the stipulated timelines. He stated that unnecessary delays in the tendering process and failure by contractors to complete allotted works within the prescribed contractual period would not be tolerated. He instructed the concerned officers to issue final notices to contractors responsible for such delays and, wherever warranted, initiate action for blacklisting after following the prescribed rules, contractual provisions and due procedure. He also emphasized that public funds must be utilized judiciously, transparently and strictly for their intended purpose, with accountability fixed wherever negligence or avoidable delays affect the progress of development works.

Reiterating his commitment to strengthening rural infrastructure and improving basic amenities across Jammu North, Sham Lal Sharma called upon all officers and employees to discharge their responsibilities with sincerity, professionalism and a strong sense of public accountability. He stressed that every development project must result in a durable public asset and deliver meaningful, long-term benefits to the community. He directed the department to maintain close coordination, regularly review the progress of works and remain responsive to local requirements, ensuring that development initiatives are completed on time, meet the required quality standards and serve the larger public interest.