- ‘Disburses cheques among 20 beneficiaries for const of toilet units’
JAMMU: Highlighting the importance of Central Government’s visionary and ambitious flagship programme, Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM), Minister for Forest, Ecology & Environment and Social Welfare, Bali Bhagat has stressed the need for proper implementation of this programme to achieve its real objective on ground. The minister maintained that sanitation is very important and foremost aspect for maintaining good health, and need of the hour is to sensitize the masses about the measures required for keeping the environment clean.
Speaking at an one-day awareness programme on Swachh Bharat Mission programme organized by the Rural Development Department in Block Bhalwal, the Minister said that earnest efforts should be made to implement this programme in letter and spirit. He called upon the people to take full advantage of the scheme and directed the concerned officers to put in their best efforts to achieve the required targets.
Responding to the demand of the people for developing the Raipur as model village, the Minister said that the process for the same has already been set in motion and the village will receive the focussed attention. The Minister also informed that Jammu-Amb Gharota road has been approved for upgradation under Central Road Funding (CRF) and work would start soon. Similarly, the Jammu-Akhnoor road has also been approved by the central government for widening and upgradation.
Referring to the shabby condition of bridges and culverts over the Ranbir canal, the Minister said that he has taken up the issue with the concerned department for proper upgradation of bridges and undertaking a beautification drive along the canal to make it more attractive. He said the efforts will be made to develop the pathways along the canal for the convenience of the visitors.
Regarding clearance of pending pension cases under various schemes and categories, Mr. Bhagat said that he has discussed the issue with the Union Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water and Sanitation, Ch. Virender Singh during his visit to Jammu who has agreed in principle to provide funds which will enable to clear the pendency, the Minister maintained.
For providing assistance to poor for construction of housing shelters, the Minister said that all needy would be provided the assistance under Indira Awas Yojana (IAY) scheme. He said the concerned officers have been directed to finalize the list of deserving beneficiaries as per the criteria. On the occasion, the Minister distributed cheques amounting to Rs. 12,000/- each among the 20 beneficiaries for construction of toilet units under SBM.
Giving details about the progress registered under SBM in the Block, the BDO, Bhalwal said that the target of constructing 3000 toilet units will be achieved during the next three months. He said the awareness campaign has yielded positive results and more and more people are approaching for availing the benefits of the scheme. Sarpanchs, Panchs besides large number of people were also present on the occasion.