New Delhi, September 11: Senior officials of the Union Ministry of Rural Development conducted a field visit to Manipur from September 8 to 10 to assess the implementation of various rural development programmes in Bishnupur and Churachandpur districts.
The visit was led by Altaf Hussain Haji, Deputy Director General and Central Government’s State Nodal Area Officer for Ministry of Rural Development schemes in Manipur, along with Deputy Director Rajesh Kumar from the ministry’s New Delhi office.
During the visit, the officials met members of Self-Help Groups (SHGs), beneficiaries and other stakeholders associated with rural development programmes.
They reviewed the progress of schemes and discussed measures to improve their implementation and expand their reach among eligible beneficiaries.
District administrations were advised to accelerate ongoing development work and strengthen delivery mechanisms to ensure that government assistance reaches people efficiently.
The officials also stressed the need for awareness campaigns at the village level so that rural communities are better informed about available schemes and their benefits.
The team also called for stronger coordination among different government departments and programmes to avoid gaps in implementation and improve outcomes for beneficiaries.
During interactions with residents, several beneficiaries raised concerns over delays in instalment payments under the Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G) and pension payments under the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP).
Haji directed the concerned district authorities to examine the complaints and take necessary steps for their early resolution.The visiting team also reviewed the functioning of Self-Help Groups under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM).
Officials noted the enthusiasm among SHG members, many of whom expressed their determination to increase their earnings and achieve the “Lakhpati Didi” target.The field visit concluded with a meeting between Haji and Manipur Rural Development Secretary Sumant Singh.
The two sides reviewed the progress made under rural development programmes and discussed issues affecting their implementation.
The meeting also focused on strengthening the delivery of rural development schemes in the state and resolving operational difficulties to ensure better outcomes for beneficiaries.
The ministry said the field-level review was aimed at improving implementation, addressing public grievances and ensuring that rural development initiatives deliver their intended benefits to communities in Manipur.
