Jamshedpur: A high-level review meeting to assess the progress of development schemes funded through various sources was held at the Collectorate auditorium under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner Karn Satyarthi. The meeting focused on schemes financed through untied funds, DMFT, NITI Aayog funds, MP and MLA Local Area Development funds, and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. The Deputy Commissioner issued strict instructions to ensure quality execution and timely completion of all development works.
During the review, emphasis was laid on accelerating both physical and financial progress of schemes related to basic infrastructure, drinking water supply, Anganwadi centres, bridges and culverts, approach roads, PCC roads, construction of additional classrooms in schools and toilet facilities. The Deputy Commissioner directed that all 117 schemes sanctioned under the District Planning Untied Fund for the financial year 2024–25 must be completed on time, with payments cleared without delay.
Expressing displeasure over departments that failed to initiate work or utilise allocated funds within the stipulated time frame, the Deputy Commissioner instructed the Deputy Development Commissioner to conduct daily monitoring of work progress and payments. He also directed that all 59 schemes sanctioned for the financial year 2025–26 must be implemented on the ground strictly as per prescribed procedures.
All executive engineers were instructed to take legal action or impose penalties on contractors found negligent or responsible for delays. Clear directions were issued to ensure 100 per cent expenditure of allocated funds for development schemes by the end of February. Keeping the upcoming summer season in view, the Deputy Commissioner ordered the immediate completion of drinking water supply schemes and necessary repair works to prevent water scarcity.
The District Planning Officer was directed to release funds promptly as per departmental requirements and to obtain utilisation certificates from concerned departments and Panchayat secretaries without delay. Under the NITI Aayog funds for the financial year 2023–24, instructions were given to ensure timely and quality completion of six key schemes, including a sal leaf plate and cup manufacturing unit, strengthening of model Anganwadi centres in tribal-dominated areas, food carts for transgenders and women, a library-cum-resource centre, and construction of kitchen rooms in 68 government schools.
The meeting also reviewed proposed schemes for the financial year 2025–26, including initiatives related to self-employment, women empowerment, science centres in the education sector, Diksha education centres, bamboo artisan training and digital education centres. Officials were directed to upload details of schemes executed under MP and MLA funds on the Gram Sampatti portal.
Reviewing the District Mineral Foundation Trust (DMFT) schemes, the Deputy Commissioner instructed concerned executive engineers to expedite and complete on time all 428 schemes sanctioned between the financial years 2021–22 and 2025–26. During the review of MP and MLA-led schemes, all implementing departments were directed to accord priority to works recommended by public representatives and ensure transparency and adherence to rules in execution.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Development Commissioner Nagendra Paswan, Director NEP Santosh Garg, In-charge Civil Surgeon Dr Sahir Pal, District Planning Officer Sudipta Raj, and officers from NREP, Special Division, Building Construction, Zila Parishad, Drinking Water and Sanitation Department, along with other concerned departments.
Candidates step up campaign as Municipal polls near:
Candidates vying for the posts of Mayor and Chairperson in the Jamshedpur Municipal Corporation and Municipal Council elections have stepped up their campaign efforts following the allotment of election symbols on Saturday. Making extensive use of traditional outreach and social media platforms, the contenders appeared upbeat and confident as the February 23 polls draw closer. Counting of votes is scheduled for February 27.
