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Written by: JK Monitor News Network

Category: Headlines

SRINAGAR: The Union Ministry for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj has further extended the deadline for the Awaas+ 2024 survey under the Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G) by 15 days, shifting the closing date from April 30 to May 15, 2025. This is the second extension granted by the Centre, as the earlier deadline of March 31, 2025, was first pushed to April 30, and now to May 15.

The move aims to ensure comprehensive coverage, particularly in remote and snowbound regions where survey completion has been challenging. An official communiqué from the Union Ministry stated that the decision was taken after multiple states and Union Territories sought additional time to identify all eligible rural households.

The extension will allow better verification of self-reported cases and ensure no deserving beneficiary is left out. As of April 30, 2025, a total of 4,74,076 potential beneficiaries have been surveyed across the Jammu and Kashmir. Rajouri district leads with 55,489 surveys followed by Poonch (52,568) and Kupwara (41,629), reflecting significant progress in identifying eligible households under the PMAY-G scheme.

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Written by: JK Monitor News Network

Category: Headlines

• Reviews formulation of Capex Budget 2025-26

JAMMU: Deputy Chief Minister, Surinder Kumar Choudhary, today chaired a meeting to review the progress on Capex Budget 2024-25 works besides discussing formulation of the Capex Budget Action Plan for 2025-26 fiscal. Minister for Health & Medical Education, Sakina Itoo, Minister for Rural Development & Panchayati Raj, Javed Ahmad Dar, Minister for Transport, Satish Sharma, Advisor to CM, Nasir Aslam Wani, Secretary PWD, Bhupinder Kumar besides senior officials of the concerned department attended the meeting.

A detailed discussion was held on budget proposals aimed at strengthening grassroots level infrastructure, ensuring rapid growth and development. The Dy CM emphasized that the planning process should be integrated at departmental and district level to incorporate the whole government approach. He asserted that the focus of the department should be on completion of ongoing works rather than starting a large number of underfunded works. "The timeline for completion of new works taken up for execution during the financial year 2025-26 should be between one or two years, except mega projects in which the department can extend the timeline up to three years" he added.

Surinder Choudhary said that the work plan of the department should be based on tangible outcomes which should indicate the number of works to be completed and number of people to be benefited. He exhorted upon the department to ensure that the directions issued are strictly adhered to and feedback/priorities from the elected representatives as indicated during budget meetings, as feasible, shall be captured while framing the annual work plans. He also issued strict instructions to the higher authorities to take firm action against the contractors who cause unnecessary delays in project completion.

Javed Ahmad Dar, Sakina Itoo, Satish Sharma and Advisor to CM Nasir Aslam Wani also contributed their valuable suggestions for better functioning of the department in terms of finalizing works and their execution. They also apprised of some crucial works in their constituencies which needs utmost priority and completion at the earliest.

Earlier, Secretary PWD presented a comprehensive overview of the proposed Capex Budget through a detailed PowerPoint Presentation, highlighting key projects and financial allocations. He highlighted the previous financial year's achievements including 3410 Km road length macadamized under various sectors, 2763 works completed under UT Capex, 769 Km road length blacktopped under PMGSY, 498 schemes completed under road sector and 47 bridges completed under  various schemes.

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Written by: JK Monitor News Network

Category: Headlines

JAMMU: The Jammu Power Distribution Corporation (JPDCL) has launched its innovative mobile application, "Bill Suvidha," a transformative step towards modernizing the electricity bill management for the digital age. The user-friendly app offers a comprehensive suite of features designed to bring convenience, transparency and efficiency to every consumer's fingertips.

The key features of "Bill Suvidha inter alia included Instant Bill Access and Payment, Smart Consumption Monitoring, Multi Account Management, Service Request Handling and Energy Saving Tips. In addition, it allows the prepaid consumers to view their deduction and recharge history. Through a detailed statement of accounts, they can view their detailed transactions for accounting and auditing purposes. This initiative aims to enhance transparency and improve service delivery in the region.

The 'Bill Suvidha' app is testament to JPDCL’s commitment towards revolutionizing the billing experience through digital innovation. With a strong focus on consumer empowerment and technological advancement, Bill Suvidha eliminates traditional billing hassles, offering a seamless digital alternative. The app is now available for downloading on the Google Play Store (Android) and Apple App Store (iOS).

The JPDCL encourages all the consumers to embrace this digital revolution by using the "Bill Suvidha" app for future electricity bill payments. For further information, the consumers can contact at 0191-2479122, 18001807183 and 1912.

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Written by: JK Monitor News Network

Category: Headlines

JAMMU: Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo today urged the heads of different sectors of Social Welfare Department (SWD) to adopt ‘citizen-first’ approach for delivering public services and successful implementation of welfare schemes on the ground. The Minister made these remarks while chairing a meeting to assess the impact and progress on implementation of various schemes operated by SWD across Jammu and Kashmir.

Commissioner Secretary SWD, Sanjeev Verma; Director Social Welfare Jammu/Kashmir, Mission Directors of POSHAN, Vatsalya/Shakti, WDC and SC/ST Corporation, Secretaries of Advisory Boards of SC, OBC and Phahari speaking people, Executive Director Rehabilitation Council and other concerned officers attended the meeting.

During the meeting, the Minister assessed the achievements of the department for the year 2024-25 and also deliberated on various aspects to strategize actionable plans for 2025-26. Addressing the officers in the meeting, Sakeena emphasized on a fostering a greater collaboration between departments and agencies to ensure a cohesive approach towards effective implementation of social welfare schemes. She called for maximising community involvement in scheme implementation to ensure greater ownership and participation of the general public.

The Minister also called streamlining the processes involved in scheme implementation, which will eventually improve the service delivery for public. She directed the officers that beneficiaries should be facilitated at all levels and inordinate delays should be avoided. “Beneficiaries must not face avoidable delays or procedural hurdles. Our systems should reflect the spirit of compassion and efficiency that these welfare schemes are founded upon”, Sakeena stated.

While reviewing the on-ground impact of these schemes, Sakeena asked the officers to establish a robust monitoring mechanisms to track progress and effectiveness of these schemes, besides identify challenges during implementation process. She also called for employing innovative approaches and data-driven decision-making during scheme implementation to uplift the most vulnerable sections of society.

While reviewing Integrated Social Security Scheme (ISSS), the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP), pension schemes for senior citizens and persons with disabilities, and Ladli Beti and PMMVY schemes for the welfare of girl children and pregnant women, the Minister called for regular audits, better inter-departmental coordination, and use of technology to enhance transparency and accountability in their implementation.

The Minister also directed the officers to hold monthly grievance redressal camps through their field offices to gather feedback directly from beneficiaries and ensure timely resolution of issues. She underlined the importance of public awareness campaigns so that eligible citizens are fully informed of their entitlements. During the meeting, each departmental head presented their performance reports through PowerPoint presentations detailing progress achieved and future roadmaps.