Speaker urges united effort to fast-track growth of Chamba

A district-level review meeting on planning, development, and the 20-Point Programme was held in Chamba on Friday under the chairmanship of Himachal Pradesh Assembly Speaker and District Planning and Development Committee Chairman Kuldeep Singh Pathania.

The meeting was attended by senior officials from various departments, non-governmental members, and local representatives. Discussions focused on the progress of major welfare schemes under the 20-Point Programme, including MGNREGA, Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, National Health Mission, Malaria Control Programme, rural electrification, minor irrigation schemes, Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, TB Control Programme, Mid-Day Meal Scheme, and Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS).

Also reviewed were initiatives related to environmental conservation, plantation drives, safe drinking water, and food security. Sanctions were granted for the financial year 2024-25 under decentralised planning, regional decentralised planning (SDP), the MLA Local Area Development Fund (VKVNY), the Chief Minister’s Village Road Scheme (MMGPY), and the Backward Area Sub-Plan.

In his address, Speaker Pathania stressed the need for synergy among departments to achieve development goals. “Chamba is one of the aspirational districts of the state. Coordination among officials, staff, and elected representatives is essential for successful implementation of schemes,” he said.

He directed the Deputy Commissioner to ensure that issues discussed during the meeting are tracked in future reviews and urged departments to expedite long-pending projects and submit utility certificates on time.

District Development Officer Om Prakash Thakur reported that under MGNREGA, 1.46 lakh job cardholders generated 69.32 lakh person-days of employment, surpassing the annual target by 139 per cent at an expenditure of Rs 294.14 crore. Under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Rural), 16,906 houses were sanctioned, of which 1,236 have been completed. Additionally, 320 self-help groups received Rs 59.70 lakh as revolving funds and Rs 61.35 lakh as cumulative investment support.

Chief Medical Officer Dr Bipen Thakur noted that a special health camp was held in Pangi (Killar) on August 22, 2024, during which 141 disability certificates were issued. During the current financial year, 26,980 HIV/AIDS tests were conducted, 632 eye surgeries performed, and 4,852 institutional deliveries registered.

Officer on Special Duty, Elementary Education, Umakant, reported that 64,108 children received mid-day meals during 2024-25, with an expenditure of Rs 6.68 crore.

Deputy Commissioner Mukesh Repaswal assured full compliance with the Speaker’s directions. The meeting was attended by Chamba MLA Neeraj Nayar, Bharmour MLA Dr Janak Raj, and several officials.

Himachal Tribune