THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
RANCHI, May 27: Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Wednesday directed officials to accelerate implementation of rural housing and Panchayat welfare schemes across Jharkhand, stressing that the benefits of government programmes must reach the “last person” in the development chain.
Chairing a high-level review meeting of the Rural Development Department, Panchayati Raj Department and Rural Works Department at the Jharkhand Secretariat, the Chief Minister laid emphasis on faster execution of housing projects, strengthening Panchayat-level services and expanding women self-help groups across the state.
Rural Development Minister Deepika Pandey Singh was also present at the meeting.
CM pushes faster rural housing implementation
Reviewing key housing schemes, Hemant Soren instructed officials to speed up work under the Abua Awas Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin and Baba Saheb Bhimrao Ambedkar Awas Yojana.
He directed officials to identify eligible homeless families and people living in dilapidated houses and ensure completion of housing targets within the stipulated timeline.
“The benefits of development schemes must reach the last person standing in the queue,” the Chief Minister said during the meeting.
Focus on Panchayat services and transparency
During the review of the Panchayati Raj Department, Hemant Soren stressed the need to strengthen Panchayat-level governance and improve transparency in welfare schemes.
He directed officials to expand digital services in Panchayats and ensure the timely delivery of services to rural residents.
The Chief Minister also instructed Panchayats to actively spread awareness against child marriage and violence against women while promoting sanitation, clean drinking water and waste management practices.
Officials were asked to prepare action plans for solid waste management in Panchayat buildings and organise training programmes for Panchayat representatives.
Expansion of Sakhi Mandals and SHGs
Hemant Soren also directed the Jharkhand State Livelihood Promotion Society (JSLPS) to increase the number of women self-help groups, or Sakhi Mandals, in the state.
He said women associated with SHGs should receive comprehensive support, training and market access to strengthen the rural economy.
Officials informed the Chief Minister that work is underway to form 5,000 new Sakhi Mandals with a target to connect 60,000 families. The state also plans to facilitate bank loans worth ₹5,000 crore for SHGs and link 2.5 lakh more women to livelihood activities.
The Chief Minister further asked officials to strengthen market linkages for SHG products and expand ‘Palash Mart’ outlets in Jharkhand and other states.
Faster rural roads to improve connectivity
Reviewing the Rural Works Department, Hemant Soren directed officials to expedite the construction and repair of rural roads while maintaining quality standards.
He said better rural connectivity would accelerate development and strengthen economic activities in villages.
The Chief Minister also interacted virtually with women beneficiaries at the Barhait Panchayat Secretariat and reviewed grassroots service delivery.
Senior officials, including Chief Secretary Avinash Kumar and Development Commissioner Ajay Kumar Singh, attended the meeting.