Minister for Rural Development, Panchayati Raj, Law and Justice, Abdul Haq, today inspected the ongoing construction of Panchayat Bhawan and Common Facilitation Centre (CFC) at Humhama in Budgam district and called for its timely completion.

The Minister directed the executing agency, Jammu and Kashmir Projects Construction Corporation (JKPCC), to expedite work on the project so that it is completed by the end of October this year.

The Minister was accompanied by DC Budgam Mir Altaf Ahmad, Director Rural Development Kashmir Gazanfar Hussain, ACD Budgam, and officials of JKPCC.

The Panchayat Bhavan-cum-CFC at Humhama is being constructed at a cost of Rs 9.28 crore under 13th Finance Commission award. The officials informed the Minister that the Department has released Rs 8.94 crore to the executing agency and Rs 3.50 crore have been spent so far.

Abdul Haq said the construction of Panchayat Bhawan is part of project  ‘CFC in every constituency’ launched earlier this year and the building includes a Convention Hall, two VIP Rooms, eight Guest Rooms, an auditorium, pantry and a dining hall, besides car parking.

He said the building should become an asset for the area. He said CFCs will serve as multipurpose assets and would be beneficial for the people in rural areas in catering to their social and other needs.

Highlighting the importance of CFCs, Panchayat Ghars, and playgrounds, the Minister said under the new concept of convergence of funds, sustainable assets are being created under MGNREGA in rural areas.

The Minister said development of rural areas will be ensured by implementation of different flagship programmes and schemes that will not only be instrumental in changing the socio-economic status of the people but also provide much needed employment opportunities to the locals.

Guest