Jamshedpur: Officials directed to ensure govt schemes reaching last man

Mail News Service

Jamshedpur, May 18: The District level 20-point program implementation committee meeting was held today at the Collectorate Auditorium in Jamshedpur under the chairmanship of Mithilesh Thakur, the Honorable Minister of Drinking Water and Sanitation Department and District Minister in-charge. The meeting aimed to discuss the progress of various welfare schemes implemented in the district and to ensure that development and welfare initiatives reach the common people.

The meeting was attended by MLA Jugsalai, Mangal Kalindi, MLA Baharagoda, Sameer Mahanti, representatives of other legislators, Zila Parishad President Bari Murmu, 20-point Vice President Mohan Karmakar, 20-point members, Deputy Commissioner Vijaya Jadhav and officials from various departments in the district.

The Deputy Commissioner presented a report on the actions taken in the last meeting based on the directions of the Minister. The progress of the government’s welfare schemes in the district was reviewed point by point with inputs from officials representing departments such as MNREGA, Health, Education, Agriculture, Supply, Mining, Electricity, Social Security, Social Welfare, Panchayati Raj, Drinking Water and Sanitation.

During the review of the Drinking Water Department, Minister Thakur emphasized the urgent repair of dilapidated water towers and hand-pumps to ensure an uninterrupted supply of drinking water, particularly during the summer. The issue of drinking water supply in urban areas was discussed and it was reported that water tankers are being used to address any supply problems.

The Health Department’s facilities and available manpower were reviewed, with a specific focus on addressing the shortage of doctors. Minister Thakur stressed the need to deploy doctors in all Primary Health Centers (PHCs) and Community Health Centers (CHCs) in the district according to a roster. He also directed officials to cancel the ration cards of approximately 6,000 individuals who have not collected their rations for over a year. The Minister emphasized the importance of increasing the scope of investigations and checking the conditions of beneficiaries’ households and vehicles before canceling their ration cards. He made it clear that those who are capable should not encroach upon the rights of the poor. The Minister expressed satisfaction with the progress of housing construction in the district.

Regarding the beneficiaries facing issues with pension disbursement due to problems with Aadhaar seeding or other reasons, Minister Thakur instructed officials to prioritize the resolution of their problems. He emphasized the importance of timely payment of wages to MNREGA workers and urged for widespread publicity of government schemes such as the Chief Minister’s Employment Generation Scheme and Petrol Subsidy.

During the meeting, members of the 20-point program raised concerns about the poor drinking water supply in the Jaduguda area by UCIL (Uranium Corporation of India Limited). The executive engineer of the drinking water department was directed to investigate the quality of water in that area. Another case of drinking water contamination from a cement plant in Jojobeda was also brought up leading to an order for an inquiry.

In the review of the Electricity Department, instructions were given to promptly replace damaged transformers within 72 hours. The Minister urged for increased awareness in rural areas about the 100 Unit Free Electricity Scheme and Electricity Bill Waiver Scheme initiated by the government.

The Deputy Commissioner and the District Mining Officer provided updates on the tender work for sand lifting from the sand ghats in the district under the Mining Department. The Education Department shared information about the available facilities and physical condition of schools and was instructed to initiate the schemes of the 14th and 15th Finance Commissions that are currently non-functional.

The issue of allocating fewer plots in forest lease distribution was raised by the 20-point members. The Minister directed officials to ensure that beneficiaries receive appropriate plots to avoid housing problems.

In conclusion, Minister Thakur emphasized the importance of reaching the last person in society with the benefits of government schemes. Thakur added, “The government is committed to implementing welfare schemes that benefit the poor and farmers in rural areas, and it is crucial to effectively communicate the government’s message to ensure maximum coverage among eligible beneficiaries.” The meeting was attended by various officials from departments including the DFO, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Director DRDA, Director NEP, SO JNAC, DSO, DTO, SOR, DCLR, District Planning Officer, EO Mango Municipal Corporation, District Welfare Officer, DPRO (Panchayati Raj), DPRO (Public Relations), Assistant Director Social Security, and District Fisheries Officer.